Abstract PS1-01-25: Let’S talk about sexuality in cancer care: a cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter survivorship program

Abstract Background: Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent yet frequently underrecognized and undertreated issue among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Despite its impact on quality of life, discussions and management strategies are often lacking in routine care. This study examines post-treatment sexual symptoms, their association with emotional well-being, and partner relationships in BCS. Methods: We analyzed data from breast cancer survivors enrolled in “OC sobre VIVER”, a multicenter survivorship program coordinated by the Oncoclínicas Group (Brazil), representing one of the few structured survivorship care models in Latin America. Participants were 3-18 months post-active treatment. Structured interviews assessed sexual symptoms (vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, low libido), emotional status (self-esteem, depression, anxiety), and partner communication. Data was managed via REDCap. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism, version 10. Results: From July 2023-March 2025, 391 women (median age 50 years [range: 30-86]) were enrolled. Of 376 women with staging data, 360 (95%) had invasive breast cancer (stage I: 55%, II: 33%, III: 12%). Notably, 92% (349/381) expressed a desire to address sexual health concerns during clinical encounters. Sexual dysfunction was prevalent: low libido in 67% (253/376), vaginal dryness in 65% (236/363), and dyspareunia in 31% (116/374). Psychosocial findings included low self-esteem in 31% (118/383) of participants, anxiety in 58% (225/387), and depression in 27% (104/387). Poor partner communication (among partnered) was reported in 10% (27/264). Dyspareunia was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.0003), but not with cancer stage, depression, or communication quality (p > 0.05). Low libido was more frequent with low self-esteem (75% vs. 64%, p = 0.043), higher stage (stage III: 15% vs. 4%, p = 0.008), hormonotherapy use (71% vs. 56%, p = 0.012) and showed a trend toward higher prevalence with poor partner communication (78% vs. 63%, p = 0.143). No associations with age, relationship status, or chemotherapy use (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sexual symptoms were highly prevalent in this BCS cohort and encompassed both physical and psychosocial factors, including emotional distress and partner communication. These findings highlight critical opportunities for intervention. Routine assessment of sexual health and the integration of tailored, multidisciplinary strategies should be prioritized in survivorship care. Citation Format: C. Chiodi, F. Santos Dumont Sorice, T. Santana, F. Oliveira, M. Mathias Machado, R. Brant Costa, M. de Azevedo Kalile, C. Pavei, M. Borges Bittencourt, D. Strassburger Nunes, H. Pantoja, T. de Melo Passarini, M. Couto, M. Behrends Pinto, C. Perini, C. Cerqueira Mathias, M. Laloni, M. Cruz Rangel Silva, C. Alves Costa e Silva, L. Landeiro. Let’S talk about sexuality in cancer care: a cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter survivorship program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-01-25.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Clinical Cancer Research
Published
2026-02-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1158/1557-3265.sabcs25-ps1-01-25
Primary Topic
Cancer survivorship and care
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Abstract PS1-01-25: Let’S talk about sexuality in cancer care: a cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter survivorship program

C. Pavei, M. Mathias Machado, M. de Azevedo Kalile, M. Behrends Pinto et al.
Clinical Cancer Research
Cancer survivorship and care
article

Abstract PS1-01-25: Let’S talk about sexuality in cancer care: a cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter survivorship program

C. Pavei, M. Mathias Machado, M. de Azevedo Kalile, M. Behrends Pinto, C. Perini, T. de Melo Passarini, C. Alves Costa e Silva, C. Cerqueira Mathias, T. Santana, C. Chiodi, R. Brant Costa, M. Laloni, D. Strassburger Nunes, F. Oliveira, L. Landeiro, M. Borges Bittencourt, M. Couto, H. Pantoja, M. Cruz Rangel Silva, F. Santos Dumont Sorice
article en

Abstract

Abstract Background: Sexual dysfunction is a highly prevalent yet frequently underrecognized and undertreated issue among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Despite its impact on quality of life, discussions and management strategies are often lacking in routine care. This study examines post-treatment sexual symptoms, their association with emotional well-being, and partner relationships in BCS. Methods: We analyzed data from breast cancer survivors enrolled in “OC sobre VIVER”, a multicenter survivorship program coordinated by the Oncoclínicas Group (Brazil), representing one of the few structured survivorship care models in Latin America. Participants were 3-18 months post-active treatment. Structured interviews assessed sexual symptoms (vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, low libido), emotional status (self-esteem, depression, anxiety), and partner communication. Data was managed via REDCap. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism, version 10. Results: From July 2023-March 2025, 391 women (median age 50 years [range: 30-86]) were enrolled. Of 376 women with staging data, 360 (95%) had invasive breast cancer (stage I: 55%, II: 33%, III: 12%). Notably, 92% (349/381) expressed a desire to address sexual health concerns during clinical encounters. Sexual dysfunction was prevalent: low libido in 67% (253/376), vaginal dryness in 65% (236/363), and dyspareunia in 31% (116/374). Psychosocial findings included low self-esteem in 31% (118/383) of participants, anxiety in 58% (225/387), and depression in 27% (104/387). Poor partner communication (among partnered) was reported in 10% (27/264). Dyspareunia was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.0003), but not with cancer stage, depression, or communication quality (p > 0.05). Low libido was more frequent with low self-esteem (75% vs. 64%, p = 0.043), higher stage (stage III: 15% vs. 4%, p = 0.008), hormonotherapy use (71% vs. 56%, p = 0.012) and showed a trend toward higher prevalence with poor partner communication (78% vs. 63%, p = 0.143). No associations with age, relationship status, or chemotherapy use (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Sexual symptoms were highly prevalent in this BCS cohort and encompassed both physical and psychosocial factors, including emotional distress and partner communication. These findings highlight critical opportunities for intervention. Routine assessment of sexual health and the integration of tailored, multidisciplinary strategies should be prioritized in survivorship care. Citation Format: C. Chiodi, F. Santos Dumont Sorice, T. Santana, F. Oliveira, M. Mathias Machado, R. Brant Costa, M. de Azevedo Kalile, C. Pavei, M. Borges Bittencourt, D. Strassburger Nunes, H. Pantoja, T. de Melo Passarini, M. Couto, M. Behrends Pinto, C. Perini, C. Cerqueira Mathias, M. Laloni, M. Cruz Rangel Silva, C. Alves Costa e Silva, L. Landeiro. Let’S talk about sexuality in cancer care: a cross-sectional analysis of a multicenter survivorship program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-01-25.

Clinical Cancer ResearchVol. 32(4_Supplement)
Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública (BR), BioClinica (United States) (US), Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Espírito Santo (BR), Instituto de Oncologia do Paraná (BR), Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (BR)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 51%
Cancer survivorship and care
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.