The Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment on Body Image, Sexual Function, and Fertility: A Narrative Review (The Hidden Morbidity)
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Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, accounting for 26% of all cancers and 10.7% of cancer-related mortality. Advances in diagnosis and therapy have significantly improved survival, especially among women of reproductive age, shifting the focus toward survivorship and quality of life. Sexual health, a vital yet often neglected domain, is profoundly influenced by the disease and its treatment.
This narrative review explores the multifaceted impact of breast cancer and its therapies on sexuality, body image, psychosocial well-being, and fertility, emphasizing implications for comprehensive survivorship care.
A narrative review of the published literature was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Studies addressing the psychosocial, sexual, and reproductive consequences of breast cancer and its treatments were included, with emphasis on adult and reproductive-age women.
Breast cancer and its treatments, like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy, exert complex biological and psychosocial effects leading to sexual dysfunction, altered body image, and psychological distress. These issues are compounded by premature menopause, fatigue, and fertility loss. Younger women, in particular, face significant challenges related to intimacy, femininity, and motherhood. Positive post-traumatic growth, however, may occur with adequate emotional support and adaptive coping mechanisms.
Sexuality in breast cancer survivors is influenced by intertwined biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. Integrating sexual health assessment and counseling into routine oncologic care is crucial to promote holistic recovery and improve the quality of survivorship among women with breast cancer.
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