Sexual Perception in Spanish Female Breast Cancer Survivors. Cross-Sectional Survey

We analyze the results obtained from the online survey carried out on 130 female breast cancer survivors. 56.92% reported sexual dysfunction. The most frequent was superficial dyspareunia (40.8%). Only 4.6% reported receiving pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment. This fact emphasizes the need to inform these women about the role of physiotherapy in improving their sexual dysfunctions.Background: The aim was to assess sexual perception in female breast cancer survivors and establish if women presenting with sexual dysfunctions symptoms receive pelvic floor physiotherapy or request information on treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional survey carried out between January and March 2021. An online survey designed by the authors was structured in 3 dimensions: demographic and anthropometric data, medical data and sexual perception data. An open format survey with 23 questions available to any website visitor. The survey followed the CHERRIES guidelines. The study included 130 women who fulfilled the inclusion cr iter ia. Results: The presence of pain during sexual activity was reported in 56.92% of cases. Specifically, 40.8% reported superficial dyspareunia, which is most commonly expressed by women as a stinging pain. Surprisingly, only 4.6% of the women had received any type of pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment or had sought information. Conclusions: Women breast cancer survivors have a negative perception of their sexuality. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge about the role of physiotherapy in sexual dysfunction, and only a small percentage of women received pelvic floor treatment or information to address their sexual dysfunction.

Automated summary

We conducted an online survey on 130 female breast cancer survivors and found that 56.92% reported sexual dysfunction, with superficial dyspareunia being the most common symptom (40.8%). Only 4.6% of the participants had received pelvic floor physiotherapy treatment. This highlights the importance of informing these women about the role of physiotherapy in improving their sexual dysfunctions.