TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of surgical and adjuvant therapies for breast cancer on sexuality, cognitive functions, and body weight
AU - Biglia, Nicoletta
AU - Moggio, Giulia
AU - Peano, Elisa
AU - Sgandurra, Paola
AU - Ponzone, Riccardo
AU - Nappi, Rossella E.
AU - Sismondi, Piero
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Introduction. Breast cancer and its treatment negatively affect the important aspects of a woman's life such as sexual health, cognitive functions, body image, and weight. Abrupt estrogen deficiency following chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy plays an important role in worsening of sexuality. Aim.: To evaluate the impact of breast cancer treatment on sexual functioning, cognitive function, and body weight in premenopausal women. Methods.: Thirty-five women with a premenopausal diagnosis of breast cancer who are candidate to adjuvant treatment completed validated questionnaires on menopausal symptoms, sexuality, partner relationship, depression, body image, and cognitive functions after surgery (T0), then after chemotherapy or at least 6 months of endocrine therapy (T1), and after 1 year (T2). In addition, gynecological and dietological examinations were performed. Main Outcome Measure.: The following validated questionnaires were used: Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Body Attitude Test, McCoy revised Italian version McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire, Cues for Sexual Desire Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Numeric Matrix Test and Rey uditory-verbal learning test, to measure cognitive functions, a recall 24 H questionnaire to evaluate food intake, Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity questionnaire and Eating Attitude Test-40, while anthropometric and plicometry data were assessed by a dietitian. Results.: Low levels of sexual functioning were registered at baseline; a further decrease in sexual activity, quality of the partnered relationship, desire, and arousability was demonstrated at T1 and T2. We found a significant increase in hot flushes and anxiety. Nonsignificant deterioration of body image was demonstrated. Although women reported losing memory and concentration, " chemobrain" effect was not demonstrated as cognitive tests improved after 6 months, probably because of " learning effect." Women who had undergone chemotherapy gained weight and fat disposition was typically android. Conclusions.: Young women undergoing adjuvant breast cancer therapy experience a heavy impairment in important quality of life domains as sexuality and targeted support interventions are needed.
AB - Introduction. Breast cancer and its treatment negatively affect the important aspects of a woman's life such as sexual health, cognitive functions, body image, and weight. Abrupt estrogen deficiency following chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy plays an important role in worsening of sexuality. Aim.: To evaluate the impact of breast cancer treatment on sexual functioning, cognitive function, and body weight in premenopausal women. Methods.: Thirty-five women with a premenopausal diagnosis of breast cancer who are candidate to adjuvant treatment completed validated questionnaires on menopausal symptoms, sexuality, partner relationship, depression, body image, and cognitive functions after surgery (T0), then after chemotherapy or at least 6 months of endocrine therapy (T1), and after 1 year (T2). In addition, gynecological and dietological examinations were performed. Main Outcome Measure.: The following validated questionnaires were used: Greene Climacteric Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Body Attitude Test, McCoy revised Italian version McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire, Cues for Sexual Desire Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Numeric Matrix Test and Rey uditory-verbal learning test, to measure cognitive functions, a recall 24 H questionnaire to evaluate food intake, Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity questionnaire and Eating Attitude Test-40, while anthropometric and plicometry data were assessed by a dietitian. Results.: Low levels of sexual functioning were registered at baseline; a further decrease in sexual activity, quality of the partnered relationship, desire, and arousability was demonstrated at T1 and T2. We found a significant increase in hot flushes and anxiety. Nonsignificant deterioration of body image was demonstrated. Although women reported losing memory and concentration, " chemobrain" effect was not demonstrated as cognitive tests improved after 6 months, probably because of " learning effect." Women who had undergone chemotherapy gained weight and fat disposition was typically android. Conclusions.: Young women undergoing adjuvant breast cancer therapy experience a heavy impairment in important quality of life domains as sexuality and targeted support interventions are needed.
KW - Adjuvant Therapy
KW - Body Weight
KW - Breast Cancer Treatment Associated Sexual Function
KW - Cognitive Functions
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U2 - 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01725.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01725.x
M3 - Article
C2 - 20233281
AN - SCOPUS:77953599280
VL - 7
SP - 1891
EP - 1900
JO - Journal of Sexual Medicine
JF - Journal of Sexual Medicine
SN - 1743-6095
IS - 5
ER -