Sexual response of women in remission from breast cancer in Yaoundé: Descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction. Breast cancer and its treatments can affect patients' quality of life and sexuality. The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual response of women in remission from breast cancer in Yaoundé.

Method. A mixed study was conducted in 2023 over a three-month period among women in complete remission from breast cancer, who had a sexual partner and were being monitored at the medical oncology department of the General Hospital of Yaoundé. Semi-structured interviews and standardised questionnaires were used to collect sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data. The Female Sexual Function Index and Body Image Scale were used.

Results. We recorded 74 patients with a mean age of 50 years (± 10 years), 65% were postmenopausal and 93% had undergone a mastectomy. Three-quarters of the patients were sexually active. Sexual desire was present in 67.5%; desire intensity was high in 12% of women. Sexual arousal was present inconsistently during sexual intercourse in 74% of women; however, it was always present in 25% of participants. Orgasm was achieved in 56 patients (71.6%) and all reported being sexually satisfied, although 23% of sexually satisfied women did not achieve orgasm.

Conclusion: Sexual response impairment in women in remission from breast cancer is limited, and support from healthcare professionals for optimal psychosexual rehabilitation is appropriate.