Breast cancer impacts sex life

A Pink Ribbon poll found that for the majority of women with breast cancer or a breast cancer history, the disease and/or treatment has an impact on sex life. Of 85 women surveyed, 71 answered in the affirmative.

That cancer, hormonal cancers like breast cancer in particular, can stifle sex life is not surprising. Loss of libido due to nausea, pain during intercourse, a dry vagina, the abrupt menopause caused by antihormone therapy, the loss of a breast, ... they often take away all feelings of lust.

The high figure among Pink Ribbon is in line with a larger study by Come on Against Cancer from 2022, where as many as 88% of those surveyed reported having problems with sexuality and intimacy. Yet sex after cancer is still a major taboo. Many do not get help or dare not ask for help. Caregivers do not always find the words to inquire about it. The need for conversations is great, but the barriers are often even greater.

"The average Fleming finds talking about sex very difficult," argues sexologist Barbara Van Campenhout, who devoted her master's thesis for a master's degree in sexology to sexuality and breast cancer. "The times when a conversation about sex does come about, it is usually at the initiative of patient or partner. In half the cases, such a conversation is then held with the treating physician, much less often with a psychologist, let alone a sexologist, who knows much better how to conduct such a conversation." Some doctors do take the initiative and start talking about sex themselves. Which is greatly appreciated by partners and patients. Others are happy to be referred to a psychologist or sexologist, who is more fluent in talking about it. "In many cancer wards, however, there is no sexologist available."

Some doctors do take the initiative and start talking about sex themselves. Which is greatly appreciated by partners and patients.

However, the availability of a sex therapist does not solve the problem. "Seeking help from a sex therapist is a confirmation for many that there are sexual problems that they cannot solve themselves. That taboo is very high," says Van Campenhout. "On top of that, consultations with a sex therapist are often not reimbursed unless the hospital provides it."

That most couples have no desire for sex during breast cancer treatment is not surprising. The focus then is on survival. Yet a year after diagnosis, half of couples still struggle with sexual problems, which gradually begins to weigh on the relationship.