Changes in sexual function over time in women receiving adjuvant therapy for early stage breast cancer. J. E. Mortimer, B. Burke, S. Fisher, Y. Podbilewicz-Schuller; Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA Abstract: Background: The impact of cancer therapy on sexual functioning has not been systematically studied over time in women undergoing adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Patients were enrolled in a trial addressing the impact of surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and tamoxifen (TAM)on sexual function. Methods: Within 30 days of initiating adjuvant therapy, and 2, 6, and 12 mos. afterwards, women completed the Sexual History Form (Nowinki & Lopiccolo; Schover & Jensen). Results:75 women were enrolled with a mean age 53.7 yrs; (range 28-82 yrs); 50 (67%) were Caucasian, 22 (29%) African-American, 1 Asian, and 1 unknown. 44 (59%) underwent lumpectomy and radiation (XRT) and 31 (41%) mastectomy. CT alone was administered in 32 (43%), CT and TAM in 14 (19%), and TAM alone 20 (27%). Baseline scores were identical for women undergoing mastectomy vs. lumpectomy/XRT (p=1.0), CT vs. no CT(p=0.13), and any TAM vs. no TAM (p=0.63). After initiation of adjuvant therapy, sexual function worsens initially and improves by 12 mos. Differences between lumpectomy/XRT and mastectomy patients were not significant. Scores are expected to increase (worsen) by 3.7 points for lumpectomy/ XRT patients vs.1.8 points for mastectomy patients over the first 6 mos.of therapy, yet by 12 mos. lumpectomy/XRT patients are expected to improve by 5.1 points beyond their initial scores in contrast to mastectomy patients whose scores increase further by 1.4 points. Women receiving TAM had lower scores at 2, 6 and 12 mos. than those not receiving TAM. Women on chemotherapy exhibited the overall pattern of initial decline in sexual function with a rebound to initial level by 12 mos. In contrast, the scores of those not receiving chemotherapy steadily improved over time, an expected improvement of 11.2 points over initial levels by 12 mos. (p=0.11). Conclusions: Surgery and adjuvant therapy may adversely impact patients sexual functioning. Women treated with mastectomy and those receiving CT experienced worsening of sexual functioning, but did return to baseline levels by 12 mos. Supported by NIH CA72554-O2. Abstract No: 622 Abstract # 623 ASCO, 2004 Abstract # 8170 ASCO, 2004 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.