Lumpectomy preserves sexual function in breast cancer survivors

Compared to a mastectomy, a lumpectomy may be a better option for preserving the sexual wellbeing of breast cancer survivors.

 

During a lumpectomy, or breast-conserving therapy (BCT), only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, allowing more of the breast tissue to remain intact. In contrast, a mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, with some patients opting for breast reconstruction through plastic surgery. Up to 85 per cent of breast cancer patients report sexual dysfunction, yet few receive medical guidance on preserving their sexual health.

 

In a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers analysed sexual wellbeing scores over time, up to five years, from 15,857 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery. Scores on sexual attractiveness, sexual confidence and comfort during sex were compared between the groups. About 54 per cent of the women underwent lumpectomy and 46 per cent had a mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction.

 

Before surgery, the two groups had similar average scores for sexual wellbeing. However, patients who underwent mastectomy had significantly lower sexual wellbeing scores than those who underwent lumpectomy at all timepoints. One year after surgery, mastectomy patients scored 7.6 points lower than lumpectomy patients. By six months after surgery, sexual wellbeing among lumpectomy patients actually improved while it declined for mastectomy patients. The sexual wellbeing score was even lower for patients who did not undergo breast reconstruction.

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