October, International Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention Month<\/p>\n
Sexual dysfunctions faced by women after breast cancer and how to address them<\/p>\n
Research on the sexual health of women who have survived breast cancer highlights what is already known: the insufficient training of healthcare professionals within multidisciplinary teams and the resulting lack of proper information provided to women on an issue that directly concerns them.<\/p>\n
Why is recent research on sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors so important? <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe UK\u2019s National Health System (NHS), from the end of World War II until today, has been a model focused on prevention. The fact that such a large percentage of women who survived breast cancer (73%) received no information from their multidisciplinary care team about the impact of treatment on their sexual health clearly shows the urgent need for education – first for professionals and, of course, for women themselves – on sexual dysfunction.<\/p>\n Equally significant is the dissatisfaction expressed by participants regarding how specialists addressed their sexual dysfunctions, with one in two women stating they were very dissatisfied not only with the management but also with the information they received,\u201d explains Mimi Marcellou, PT, MSc, PhD(c), a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation.<\/p>\n Women need help – but often don\u2019t know where to turn<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a reality. It is not only reflected in research, which shows that women often rely on social media – mainly doctors\u2019 accounts – for information, but also in clinical practice. Many women seek help from pelvic floor specialists only after exhausting all attempts to obtain answers from their medical teams.<\/p>\n It is not uncommon for women to be told \u201cit\u2019s psychological\u201d or \u201cit will pass with time.\u201d In fact, the opposite is true. These dysfunctions often create a domino effect on both physical and mental health, especially during the vulnerable period after recovery from breast cancer.<\/p>\n Common dysfunctions after treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n Women who have survived breast cancer face changes in body image as well as symptoms of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), including premature menopause (if diagnosed before natural menopause), vaginal dryness, atrophy, and irritation, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), reduced sexual desire, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections, pelvic organ prolapse (not uncommon).<\/p>\n How do women deal with these issues?<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWith silence.\u201d Unfortunately, this is the reality for at least one in two women experiencing sexual dysfunction after breast cancer.<\/p>\n Ongoing Greek research shows:<\/p>\n A 2016 study by Rosella Nappi and colleagues found that only 10.3% of healthcare professionals know how to manage sexual health issues after cancer treatment.<\/p>\n How can the problem be prevented?<\/strong><\/p>\n There is knowledge, experience, and best practices available. Sexual health should be integrated into patient care from the very beginning.<\/p>\n The multidisciplinary team must be well-informed about potential sexual side effects, prepare patients for upcoming changes, help them prevent or manage these issues early.<\/p>\n The role of the multidisciplinary team<\/strong><\/p>\n From breast surgeons, oncologists, and gynecologists to pelvic floor physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, and fitness professionals\u2014all play a crucial role in holistic care. Treatment options may include estrogen-based therapies, vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, pelvic floor physiotherapy, vaginal dilators, psychotherapy. There is strong scientific evidence supporting these interventions, which aim to improve sexual health and prevent serious impacts on relationships and quality of life.<\/p>\n The role of pelvic floor physiotherapy<\/strong><\/p>\n Pelvic floor physiotherapy is now included in international clinical guidelines as a recommended treatment.<\/p>\n Organizations supporting this include: NICE (UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), British Society of Urogynaecology (BSUG), International Continence Society (ICS), World Physiotherapy. However, a 2024 study of 108 breast cancer survivors found that over 85% experienced vaginal dryness and 60% reported pain during intercourse. Despite this, 83% were unaware that pelvic floor physiotherapy is a treatment option.<\/p>\n How can we improve the current situation?<\/strong><\/p>\n Through education. Continuous awareness and training are essential. Efforts should include awareness campaigns, use of social media and communication platforms, education of healthcare professionals and empowerment of women to demand proper information.<\/p>\n Taboos, fear, stigma, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion often prevent women from seeking solutions. Many feel that surviving cancer is \u201cenough,\u201d and reclaiming their full quality of life may seem like a luxury. But it is not. They deserve to reclaim their lives fully\u2014especially after winning such a significant battle. With the knowledge and strength gained through their journey, life lies ahead once more. Healthcare professionals, especially in pelvic health, remain committed to supporting them\u2014until sexual health is recognized as an essential part of survivorship after breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n