Análise da função sexual de mulheres brasileiras submetidas ao tratamento de câncer de mama

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most recurrent type in women. Among the problems caused by cancer are the suffering that generates anxiety, fear and depression. One can also observe losses in relation to the woman's identity, since the breast is associated with femininity and sexual pleasure, resulting in sexual dysfunction in women after treatment. Objective: To evaluate the sexual function of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and its relationship with the type of surgical approach, the use of hormone replacement therapy and hormone therapy, and the perception of women as desirable. Methods: This study is an exploratory, cross-sectional, quantitative research whose sample consisted of 202 participants. The research was divided into two parts, where the first had 14 multiple-choice questions about socioeconomic and clinical data, and the second part was the application of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Results: The present study showed that 80.20% of the participants had a total score below 26,55 points, indicative of sexual dysfunction. There was no significant difference when patients were stratified by type of surgical approach and hormone replacement (p>0,05). When patients were stratified by the use of hormone therapy, there was a difference only in the pain domain (p=0,026). Patients were also divided into feeling desirable or not, showing differences in all domains (p<0,05), except for pain. Conclusion: Women diagnosed with breast cancer had high rates of sexual dysfunction. It was shown that the breast cancer patient's self-esteem seems to be more important than the physical changes resulting from the treatment.