THE SEXUALITY OF WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

Abstract

Among the types of cancer, breast cancer is the most feared type of neoplasm among women. Despite advances in treatments and new surgical techniques, mastectomy is still an alternative for certain types of tumors. As it is a mutilating surgery, it causes great physical and psychological impacts that interfere with the experience of female sexuality. The objective of this study was to understand the impacts of total mastectomy and treatment processes and their phases in the life of the diagnosed woman, and with that to identify their real psychological impacts on female sexuality. The results showed that, despite advances in breast cancer treatment, the impacts on sexuality are still taboo within multidisciplinary teams and clinics and the preservation of life leaves the issue of sexuality in the background.