Abstract PS1-02-06: The Impact of Treatment-Induced Early Menopause on Body Image and Sexual Functioning Among Young Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract Purpose: Young breast cancer survivors often face abrupt and premature menopause due to oncological treatments, resulting in sudden physical and psychological changes that profoundly affect their quality of life. This study aimed to examine the impact of treatment-induced menopausal symptoms on two critical domains: body image and sexual functioning, highlighting the mediating roles of menopausal symptoms and reproductive concerns, and exploring age as a potential moderator. Methods: Two complementary cross-sectional studies were conducted. In the first, 121 hormone receptor-positive breast cancer survivors and 114 healthy women completed validated measures: the Body Image Scale (BIS), Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), and Reproductive Concerns Scale (RCS). In the second, 97 young breast cancer survivors and 75 healthy women completed the MRS and Fallowfield's Sexual Activity Questionnaire (FSAQ). All cancer survivors also provided detailed medical history. Moderated mediation and structural equation modeling were used to examine direct and indirect pathways linking cancer survivorship, menopausal symptoms, body image, reproductive concerns, and sexual activity frequency. Results: Survivors reported significantly higher levels of negative body image, reproductive concerns, menopausal symptoms, reduced sexual pleasure, and lower frequency of sexual activity compared to controls. Menopausal symptoms and reproductive concerns mediated the relationship between survivorship and negative body image, with age moderating these pathways — indirect effects were stronger among younger women. In parallel, structural equation modeling indicated that the link between survivorship and reduced sexual frequency was explained by menopausal symptoms and diminished sexual pleasure. Somatic and urogenital menopausal symptoms emerged as key contributors to both outcomes. Conclusions: Treatment-induced early menopause plays a pivotal role in shaping young breast cancer survivors’ body image and sexual functioning. Findings underscore the importance of age-sensitive, tailored supportive care addressing both the physical side effects and the psychological and intimate dimensions of survivorship. Targeted interventions should aim to mitigate menopausal symptoms, support reproductive concerns, and enhance sexual well-being, ultimately promoting higher quality of life among this vulnerable group. Citation Format: M. Braun, G. Goldzweig, O. Saar Sheffi, S. Klein, S. Paluch Shimon. The Impact of Treatment-Induced Early Menopause on Body Image and Sexual Functioning Among Young Breast Cancer Survivors [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 PS1-02-06.