F M Nimbi1, S Magno2, L Agostini2, A Di Micco2, C Maggiore2, B M De Cesaris2, R Rossi3, R Galizia4, C Simonelli4, R Tambelli4. 1. Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology (Ex Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Filippo.nimbi@uniroma1.it. 2. University Hospital Foundation A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. 3. Institute of Clinical Sexology, Rome, Italy. 4. Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology (Ex Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments have led to better outcomes in breast cancer, making quality of life a key issue. Sexuality represents a pillar of quality of life, although it is often neglected by both healthcare providers and patients when it comes to cancer. This study aims to explore the differences in sexual functioning, distress, psychopathology, emotions, and cognitions between breast cancer patients under hormonal treatment and controls. METHODS: Seventy-nine women (age range between 24 and 69 years) in hormonal therapy for breast cancer completed a self-reported protocol. A matched control group of 103 women was randomly extracted from an Italian general population database. Eight self-report questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial factors were administered. RESULTS: The current study showed an impaired sexuality in breast cancer patients compared to controls. Breast cancer women under hormonal treatment were characterized by diminished or absent sexual activity (chi2 = 36.16; p < 0.001), lower level of sexual functioning in all areas except for pain (F(1,180) = 8.1; p < 0.01), higher sexual (F(1,180) = 10.08; p < 0.001) and psychological distress (F(1,180) = 6.23; p < 0.05), higher scores in Difficulties in Identifying Feelings (F(1,180) = 7.31; p < 0.01) and Externally Oriented Thinking (F(1,180) = 6.64; p < 0.05), higher level of negative emotions related to sexuality (F(1,180) = 11.13; p < 0.001), and more rigid cognition towards peculiar aspects of sexuality, such as Failure Disengagement Thoughts (F(1,180) = 22.01; p < 0.001) and Age related Beliefs (F(1,180) = 5.7; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers do not usually assess those issues in their routine practice, so that sexuality remains an unmet need with remarkable effects on general health and quality of life.
BACKGROUND: Earlier diagnosis and improved treatments have led to better outcomes in breast cancer, making quality of life a key issue. Sexuality represents a pillar of quality of life, although it is often neglected by both healthcare providers and patients when it comes to cancer. This study aims to explore the differences in sexual functioning, distress, psychopathology, emotions, and cognitions between breast cancer patients under hormonal treatment and controls. METHODS: Seventy-nine women (age range between 24 and 69 years) in hormonal therapy for breast cancer completed a self-reported protocol. A matched control group of 103 women was randomly extracted from an Italian general population database. Eight self-report questionnaires exploring biopsychosocial factors were administered. RESULTS: The current study showed an impaired sexuality in breast cancer patients compared to controls. Breast cancer women under hormonal treatment were characterized by diminished or absent sexual activity (chi2 = 36.16; p < 0.001), lower level of sexual functioning in all areas except for pain (F(1,180) = 8.1; p < 0.01), higher sexual (F(1,180) = 10.08; p < 0.001) and psychological distress (F(1,180) = 6.23; p < 0.05), higher scores in Difficulties in Identifying Feelings (F(1,180) = 7.31; p < 0.01) and Externally Oriented Thinking (F(1,180) = 6.64; p < 0.05), higher level of negative emotions related to sexuality (F(1,180) = 11.13; p < 0.001), and more rigid cognition towards peculiar aspects of sexuality, such as Failure Disengagement Thoughts (F(1,180) = 22.01; p < 0.001) and Age related Beliefs (F(1,180) = 5.7; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers do not usually assess those issues in their routine practice, so that sexuality remains an unmet need with remarkable effects on general health and quality of life.
Authors: Jennifer S Gass; Michaela Onstad; Sarah Pesek; Kristin Rojas; Sara Fogarty; Ashley Stuckey; Christina Raker; Don S Dizon Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2017-06-12 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Lauren F Cornell; Dawn M Mussallem; Tammeza C Gibson; Nancy N Diehl; Sanjay P Bagaria; Sarah A McLaughlin Journal: Ann Surg Oncol Date: 2017-05-30 Impact factor: 5.344
Authors: Stephanie S Faubion; Lisa C Larkin; Cynthia A Stuenkel; Gloria A Bachmann; Lisa A Chism; Risa Kagan; Andrew M Kaunitz; Michael L Krychman; Sharon J Parish; Ann H Partridge; JoAnn V Pinkerton; Tami S Rowen; Marla Shapiro; James A Simon; Shari B Goldfarb; Sheryl A Kingsberg Journal: Menopause Date: 2018-06 Impact factor: 2.953
Authors: Valentina Rossi; Roberta Galizia; Francesca Tripodi; Chiara Simonelli; Maria Grazia Porpora; Filippo Maria Nimbi Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-04-27 Impact factor: 4.614