Treatment‐related amenorrhea and sexual functioning in young breast cancer survivors

作者：Shoshana M. Rosenberg, Rulla M. Tamimi, Shari I. Gelber, Kathryn J. Ruddy, Sharon L. Bober, Sandra Kereakoglow, Virginia F. Borges, Steven E. Come, Lidia Schapira, Ann H. Partridge · 发表于：Cancer · 年份：2014 · DOI：10.1002/cncr.28738 · 被引用次数：111 · 研究领域：Cancer survivorship and care、Menopause: Health Impacts and Treatments、Sexual function and dysfunction studies

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is a known complication of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer and an important determinant of quality of life. However, few studies have explored how treatment and other factors affect sexual functioning in young breast cancer survivors. METHODS: Four hundred sixty-one premenopausal women with stage 0 through III breast cancer were surveyed an average of 1 year after diagnosis as part of a prospective cohort study of women who were aged ≤40 years at diagnosis. Sexual interest and dysfunction were assessed using the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES). Mean CARES scores were compared and multiple regression models were fit to assess treatment and a range of menopausal and somatic symptoms in relation to sexual functioning. RESULTS: Mean CARES sexual interest and dysfunction scores were both highest (indicating poorer functioning) among women who received chemotherapy and were amenorrheic from treatment. After accounting for menopausal and somatic symptoms, treatment-associated amenorrhea remained associated with decreased interest but was no longer an independent predictor of dysfunction. In the multivariable analysis, independent predictors of dysfunction included vaginal pain symptoms, poorer body image, and fatigue. Sexual interest was associated with vaginal pain symptoms, body image, and weight problems. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with decreased sexual functioning in young breast cancer survivors can often be ameliorated. Th...