Sexual behavior (SB) and relationship satisfaction after first distant recurrence (REC) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC): Preliminary results from prospective trials. C. L. Shapiro, K. M. Carpenter, B. L. Andersen; Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH; Ohio State University, Columbus, OH Abstract: Background: The median survival of MBC is 24-36 months (mo), but the effects of REC on SB and relationships are largely unknown. We hypothesized that SB would decline after first REC, but satisfaction with the relationship would not decrease. Methods: From 1994 to 2000, 227 women with localized BC were randomized (R) to a psychosocial intervention or assessment-only group. With 60 mo mean follow-up, 31/227 (14%) had REC, and 24 (77%) enrolled on this study. Additionally, 21 women at first REC enrolled in parallel non-R prospective trial. Outcome measures included the single satisfaction item in Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) measuring relationship satisfaction[3=happy (average),4=very happy], frequency of kissing (K)[6=4-6/wk,7=1/day] and sexual intercourse (SI)[1=1/mo, 2=1-2/mo], and sexual satisfaction (SS)[3=somewhat inadequate, 4=average]. Assessments occurred within 12 weeks of REC, and at 4- and 8-months post REC. As the demographic, disease, and treatment variables, and the outcome measures were mostly comparable among R and non-R REC groups, these data were combined and compared to the non-REC group. ANOVA and Chi-square tests were used to test for differences within and between REC and non-REC groups. Results: Demographic[age=52 years (yr), education=15 yr, income=$66,000, Caucasian=93%, married=69% or cohabiting=74%], disease, and treatment variables were similar in the REC and non-REC groups. There were no statistically significant differences in DAS, K, SI, or SS within, or between the REC and non-REC groups, although frequency of SI and SS tended to be slightly lower in the REC-group. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that SB, sexual and relationship satisfaction do not change much within the first 8 months after REC. Accrual is ongoing and updated results will be presented. Abstract No: 623 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.