Evaluating Changes in Sexual Functioning of Breast Cancer Women during the Phase of Radiotherapy

Introduction & Aim: Women with breast cancer in Iran are typically younger than their counterparts in the world. According to the statistics announced by Globocan in 2018, the average age of the disease in the world is 46.6 years, even though the average in Iran is 34.0-43.6 years. Sexual functioning in patients with breast cancer, especially in younger patients, is an important issue from clinical and psychosocial perspectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in sexual functioning of women with breast cancer during Radiotherapy (RT). Methods: This study is part of a prospective study with a repeated measurement approach which was carried out in three phases of RT (at the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the RT). A non-random sample of women with breast cancer (n=60) was recruited from RT ward of an educational hospital affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. They answered the questionnaires of the study, i.e., demographic-clinical information sheet and EORTC QLQ BR-23 at three phases of RT. In this study, sexual functioning part of EORTC QLQ BR-23 questionnaire was used to analyze the data.Results: The results of study showed that the average age of women was 40.7± 8.19 years. evaluation of changes in the sexual functioning of women showed that the lowest mean was related to sexual functioning, although these changes were not significant during the three phases of radiotherapy (p˃0.001) there was a significant decrease between the first and second stages, as well as the differences in sexual enjoyment in women. The duration of radiotherapy was significant (p˂0.01).Conclusion: Understanding the experiences of women with breast cancer in the sexual domain helps nurses to assess the specific needs of the affected population. Regarding the decrease in sexual functioning and enjoyment of women during radiotherapy due to complications of treatment and body image impairment due to the removal of breast tissue, it is suggested that nurses, with the help of counselors in the field of sexual therapy, provide interventional planning for family sexual health. Also, the need for a more detailed examination of the needs and problems of women with breast cancer in the field of sex is understood through the use of psychometrical instruments.