Two sides of the same coin-sexuality from the perspective of women diagnosed with breast cancer and their partners: A qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose

After the diagnosis of breast cancer, women's sexuality becomes complex, and the sexual lives of couples are strongly affected by the treatment process of the disease. The aim of this study is to determine the perceptions, experiences, expectations, and needs related to sexuality from the perspective of women diagnosed with breast cancer and their partners.

Method

In this study, a descriptive qualitative design based on a thematic analysis approach was used. The data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with women diagnosed with breast cancer (n = 22) and their partners (n = 14). The thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data.

Results

The main themes of this study that came out from both the patients' and partners' perspectives were ‘suspension (postponement) of sexual life’ and ‘unmet need for care related to sexuality’. The main themes consist of four sub-themes: ‘changes in sexual dynamics’, ‘unsatisfied sexuality’, ‘barriers to accessing information and support’, and ‘demand for individualised and tailored comprehensive counselling’.

Conclusion

Women with breast cancer and their partners were found to have difficulty in asking for help about sexuality and to postpone their sexual lives. Findings of the present study suggest that sexual counselling is of critical importance at every stage of the breast cancer treatment process, and the patients and their partners need a culturally sensitive, individualised care thereof and expect a continuous support.