Asian Oncology Nursing (종양간호연구)

Korean Oncology Nursing Society (대한종양간호학회)
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Sexual Function of Breast Cancer Survivors and Healthy Women : A Comparative Study

유방암 생존자와 정상여성의 성기능

  • Received : 2009.01.27
  • Accepted : 2009.02.05
  • Published : 2009.02.28
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the level of sexual function among breast cancer survivors as compared with that among healthy women. Method: A total of 208 women participated in this study: 103 breast cancer survivors attending self-help group and 105 community-residing healthy women in G city. A self-reported questionnaire with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to obtain data. Data were analyzed using the SPSS Win 14.0 $K^+$ for descriptive statistics, t-test, and two-way ANOVA. Results: The sexual function score of breast cancer survivors was significantly lower than that of healthy women, respectively $14.9{\pm}9.9$ and $20.6{\pm}11.1$ (p<0.001). The sexual function of recurrent breast cancer survivors was significantly lower than that of women without recurrence. However, there were no significant differences in the sexual function score according to the cancer stage, period since diagnosis, and types of cancer treatment modality. Conclusion: The findings indicate the importance of sex-related counseling and educational programs to improve the quality of life of breast cancer survivors.

Keywords

References

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