Study: Impaired Sexual Function Found in Some Breast Cancer Survivors

Long-term survivors of breast cancer suffer from decreased sexual functioning, according to researchers at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, Florida.

Previous studies have suggested that problems in sexual functioning may be present in long-term (over five years) survivors of breast cancer. In order to examine the issue further, researchers compared 58 women diagnosed with breast cancer at least five years previously and treated with chemotherapy to 61 women with no history of cancer.

Compared to women with no history of cancer, long-term breast cancer survivors reported worse sexual functioning, characterized by a greater lack of sexual interest, inability to relax and enjoy sex, difficulty becoming aroused, and difficulty achieving an orgasm. The severity of vaginal dryness was significantly related to poorer sexual functioning among the long-term breast cancer survivors, according to the study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

"These findings confirm and extend previous reports of impaired sexual functioning among long-term breast cancer survivors," concluded the researchers. "Results further suggest that relief of vaginal dryness should be an essential component of efforts to improve sexual functioning among long-term breast cancer survivors."

Other sources: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment