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Optimizing sexuality of young women with breast cancer: how can the breast clinic help?

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Supportive Care in Cancer Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Breast cancer treatment can lead to sexual dysfunction which, in general, impacts younger women more. Being well informed and having good social support are important elements in dealing with this dysfunction.

Aims

This study aims to explore how specialized breast clinics can help young women with questions or problems regarding their sexual health by fulfilling their information and social support needs.

Method

A thematic analysis was used for 16 interviews with young women (18–45 years) diagnosed with breast cancer, in Belgium.

Results

Participants report a lack of information on sexual issues and find the information insufficiently tailored to young women. The empathy of healthcare providers and their communication skills play an important role in whether sexual issues can be discussed. Finally, they indicate that more attention should be paid to their partner (relationship).

Conclusion

The breast clinic might help young women by giving more specific advice on what is sexually allowed (or not) during treatment, by informing them about lubricants and sex toys, by adapting brochures and information sessions to young women, by investing in the partner’s well-being and their relationship, and by training healthcare providers better.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group (MENT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium

    Lara Vesentini, Laura Hoeylaerts, Roel Van Overmeire & Johan Bilsen

  2. Breast Clinic, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

    Marian Vanhoeij

  3. Cédric Hèle Instituut Vzw, Mechelen, Belgium

    Sabien Bauwens

Authors
  1. Lara Vesentini
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  2. Laura Hoeylaerts
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  3. Roel Van Overmeire
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  4. Marian Vanhoeij
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  5. Sabien Bauwens
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  6. Johan Bilsen
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Contributions

LH and LV contributed to the study conception, study design, and developing the interview topic list. Data collection was facilitated by MV and done by LH. Data analysis was performed by LH and LV, but the authors RVO and JB were involved in the reflection process. The first draft of the manuscript was written by LV, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lara Vesentini.

Ethics declarations

Ethical approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Commission Medical Ethics of UZ Brussels—VUB (B.U.N. 1432020000343).

Consent to participate

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Supplementary Information

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Vesentini, L., Hoeylaerts, L., Van Overmeire, R. et al. Optimizing sexuality of young women with breast cancer: how can the breast clinic help?. Support Care Cancer 31, 613 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-08077-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-023-08077-8

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