Objective
To assess the sexual function among females suffering from breast cancer after mastectomy and to evaluate the effect of different cancer treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy on the sexual function of these patients.
Patients and methods
One hundred females with cancer breast who had undergone mastectomy at childbearing age were recruited from the Outpatient Clinic of the Clinical Oncology Department in Assiut University Hospital and South Egypt Cancer Institute. Their sexual function was evaluated by the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Results
There was a significant difference in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and full FSFI scores as they were significantly lower in participants who were on chemotherapy compared with those who were on radiotherapy. Sixty-five percent of participants had abnormal total FSFI scores.
Conclusion
Most participants who have undergone mastectomy experience sexual dysfunction after mastectomy. Chemotherapy has a negative impact on sexual function more than radiotherapy.