Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Quality of life (QoL) is a subjective assessment of various aspects of daily functioning - physical health, mental state, sexuality, level of independence and self-sufficiency, relationships, and the alignment of one's life with personal beliefs and values. Sexuality is an essential element of human existence, regardless of age or health condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted among 84 women diagnosed with breast cancer and took place from September to October 2025. The diagnostic survey method was employed, along with the following research tools: Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core-30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30), Breast Cancer 23 (QLQ-BR23), and self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Breast cancer and its surgical treatment can have a negative impact on women's quality of life, especially in areas such as fatigue, financial stress, and emotional well-being. More specific concerns related to breast cancer include arm-related symptoms and anxiety about the future. Although the overall QoL measured by the EORTC-QLQ-C30 - did not significantly differ depending on the type of surgery, certain symptoms did show variation. The QLQ-BR23 symptom scale revealed differences in areas: side-effects from treatment and breast-related discomfort. Differences were noted in sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction. Studies show that women who had breast-conserving surgery reported more sexual difficulties. CONCLUSIONS: Among examined patients after breast-conserving surgery, 89.7% of people reported sexual dysfunction. Among all domains of FSFI, only the orgasm domain showed a statistically significant difference depending on the type of surgery performed. The QLQ-BR23 symptom scale revealed differences in areas: side-effects from treatment, breast-related discomfort, and sexual functioning and sexual enjoyment.
Source: Ginekologia Polska
DOI: 10.5603/gpl.109622
Authors: Maria Ciechacka, Mahdi Al-Jeabory, Ewelina Bak
Institutions: University of Bielsko-Biała, Medical University of Silesia
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $431
OpenAlex ID: W7117007803
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