Sexual functioning and self-esteem in women after mastectomy – a single-centre, non-randomised, cross-sectional study
Magdalena Tarkowska, Iwona Głowacka‐Mrotek, Tomasz Nowikiewicz, Ewelina Monastyrska-Waszak, Agata Gastecka, Aleksander Goch, Wojciech Zegarski
Abstract
AIM OF THE STUDY: The goal of our study was to assess the sexual functioning of patients undergoing mastectomy, five years after surgery, compared to a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 170 patients five years post mastectomy (group A1) and 149 healthy women (group A2) who had never been diagnosed with breast cancer. The study was conducted at the Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz, at the Amazon Clubs, and at the University of the Third Age by the University of Economy in Bydgoszcz. Standardised questionnaires: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Rosenberg's SES (self-esteem scale) were used. RESULTS: < 0.0001) differences in self-esteem were also noted between the two groups, with worse results observed in patients after mastectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of sexual dysfunction in patients treated for breast cancer allows timely implementation of counselling and interventional therapy depending on the causal factors and individual preferences of patients.