EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BREAST CANCER TREATMENTS AND SELF-REPORTED SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN CANADIAN WOMEN: A POPULATION-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background The prevalence of female breast cancer survivors in Canada has increased from 1.8% to 2.1% (2007-2021). Sexual dysfunction is a common long-term side effects of breast cancer treatments. Objective To estimate the prevalence of self-reported sexual dysfunction among breast cancer survivors in Canada and examine the association between of single and combined treatment modalities and sexual dysfunction. Methodology This cross-sectional study utilized data from 3772 participants who participated in the 2016 Experiences of Cancer Patients. The outcome was sexual dysfunction. The exposures chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations. Results Sexual dysfunction was most prevalent among survivors treated with chemotherapy (48.3%). Chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, radiotherapy, and combined modalities were associated with sexual dysfunction, with the highest odds observed among those receiving all three treatments. Conclusion Sexual dysfunction is common among Canadian breast cancer survivors and is associated with all treatment modalities.