Asian Oncol Nurs.  2023 Sep;23(3):114-125. 10.5388/aon.2023.23.3.114.

A Concept Analysis of Sexual Dysfunction in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

• Park CM
• Kim SH

• KMID: 2546859
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2023.23.3.114

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to define and clarify the concept of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Methods
This study used the concept analysis process of Walker and Avant, and 20 studies were selected.
Results
Sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer was defined as experiencing 1) loss of femininity, 2) negative changes in sexual response, and 3) negative feelings about relationship with partners. The identified antecedents were 1) breast cancer treatment-induced changes in body structure and function, 2) disease-related pain, 3) depression, 4) lack of medical services provided to help address sexual matters and difficulties, and 5) lack of understanding and support from partners. The consequences of this were 1) deterioration of relationship with partner, 2) seeking alternatives to overcome sexual dysfunction, 3) deterioration in quality of life, 4) depression, and 5) decrease in frequency of sexual activity.
Conclusion
The definition and attributes of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer identified in this study can be applied to the development of tools and programs to measure sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer to enhance understanding of sexual dysfunction in women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Keyword

Breast neoplasms; Women; Sexual dysfunction