Managing sexual health challenges in breast cancer survivors: A comprehensive review

Abstract

The significant advancements in breast cancer management have led to an increase in the prevalence of breast cancer survivors. Despite their efficacy, these treatments can cause a variable range of side effects, significantly deteriorating the patients’ quality of life.

Sexual dysfunction, and in particular the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, represent one of the major causes of quality-of-life impairment among breast cancer patients, potentially affecting treatment adherence and compliance. If in the general population, hypoestrogenism-related symptoms are typically managed through systemic or topical estrogen administration, this approach is contraindicated in breast cancer patients for the potential increased risk of disease recurrence, urging the investigation of alternative measures.

The aim of this review is to summarize the most up-to-date pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, as well as supportive measures, available for the management of sexual dysfunctions in breast cancer patients and survivors.