EXPLORING UNMET SEXUAL HEALTH NEEDS OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS: A MIXED METHODS STUDY Article Swipe

Objectives Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. While advances in early detection and treatment have significantly improved long-term survival rates, the focus on biomedical outcomes often overshadows the sexual health needs of survivors. In Portugal, as in many other countries, these needs are frequently neglected, despite evidence showing their significant impact on quality of life. This study aims to explore the unmet sexual health needs of breast cancer survivors in Portugal, identify barriers to addressing these issues in oncological settings, and determine requirements for the development of interventions that can improve their quality of life. Methods A mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative data from 336 BCS, assessed with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23 questionnaires, with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 11 survivors. The interviews focused on their unmet sexual health needs and satisfaction with oncology support services. Data collected during the study were descriptively and thematically analyzed. Results Quantitative data indicated low sexual functioning scores among participants (M = 22,3; SD = 7,7), especially in the domains of desire (M = 2,25; SD = 1,2) and arousal (M = 3.4; SD = 1.4), and high levels of sexual pain (M = 4,06; SD = 1,7). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) had a mean global health status of 57.5 (SD = 23,3), reflecting moderate quality of life, with the lowest score in emotional functioning (M = 65,69; SD =20,1). The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (M = 38,4; SD = 26,6), insomnia (M = 37,5; SD = 32,5) and pain (M = 30,46; SD = 29,8). The qualitative analysis concerned the main unmet needs, including the lack of information and education about sexuality from diagnosis to post-cancer treatment, concerns about body image, insufficient psychosexual and socio-relational support, and the need for greater partner involvement in care. Conclusions Participants presented low sexual functioning, decreased quality of life, and sexual health needs that were not addressed by oncosexology services. These results underscore the urgent need for personalized and accessible interventions, to provide comprehensive sexual health support to BCS in Portugal, improving their overall well-being and quality of life. Conflicts of Interest No conflicts of interest.