CN54 Sexual Health in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Hormonal Treatment

Sexual dysfunction is the most common long-term consequence of cancer treatment in breast cancer survivors (BCS), which have a huge impact on their quality of life (QOL). We pretend to develop a tool to assess these problems, identify the most relevant challenges, and prove the beneficial effect a nursing intervention would have on their QOL. This is a prospective study with 51 BCS treated with HT, who were recruited from Hospital Clínico Valencia, from March to April 2023. A questionnaire with 28 related items was developed, including demographical data. These were evaluated by a Likert scale. Patients were aged under 45 years-old (mean 40.5 + 3.2). 82.4% of BCS received previous chemotherapy treatment. Regarding the surgery, only 43.1% presented a tumorectomy. 21.6% of BCS were treated with Tamoxifen and 78.4% with aromatase inhibitors plus LH-RH analogues (AI + LHRHA). 70.6% expressed high satisfaction with their previous sexual life; however, only 25.5% of BCS feel satisfied. This study highlights vaginal dryness (72.5%), loss of sensibility in the affected breast (62.5%), loss of femininity (60.8%), loss of desire (60.8%), and fear of penetration pain (60.8%). AI + LHRHA was related to fear of penetration pain (p=0.003). The type of surgery impacted sexual satisfaction (p=0.031), and breast sensitivity (p=0.018). 74.5% of the patients emphasized the importance of sexual health. Nevertheless, 72.6% of BCS stated a decrease in the frequency of their sexual activity. 66.7% of the patients shared these issues with their partners, but only 23.6% talked about it with the oncologist. Furthermore, 72.5% felt that they did not have enough previous information. Interestingly, 80.4% would attend a nursing sexual health counselling and 78.4% considered this would improve their QOL. HT impacted BCS’ sexual health. The most frequent problems were dysfunction due to vaginal dryness, penetration pain, and desire. Mastectomy and AI + LHRHA presented poorer outcomes. Nurses’ interventions could be helpful to improve their QOL.