Talking about sexuality after breast cancer :Barriers from survivors perspective views

Introduction & aim: Breast cancer survivors experience sexual problems after diagnosis and treatment of cancer. But health care professionals rarely discuss sexual issues with patients .The aim of this study was to understand barriers of talking about sexuality from the patient views. Methods: In this qualitative study, data was collected through semi structured depth interviews. Participants were recruited from cancer research center of SBMU and a group named breast cancer campaign. Transcripts were imported into qualitative analysis software (MAXQDA 12), coded and thematic analysis was performed. extracted codes were categorized under two main themes as believes of survivors and judgment about health care professionals . Results: Participants were breast cancer survivors with mean age of 49.2 years. The mean age at cancer diagnosis was 44.5 years and all of them involved in stage 1 or 2 of non metastatic breast cancer. Cultural taboos were the most important factor as barrier for not talking about sex in both survivors and health care professionals. Disappointment of life for patients and provider concern for treating the main disease were mentioned as other barriers for discussing sexuality issues . Conclusion : survivors should be asked about their sexuality and if they have problem, proper counseling and properties must be provided.

Keywords:

Breast cancer , survivors , sexuality , barriers , health care professional