SEXUALIDADE NO CANCRO DA MAMA: CONTRIBUTOS DO GRUPO FOCAL ONLINE

Abstract

Sexual health is recognised as an essential component of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being, being particularly significant in the context of breast cancer, where a substantial impact on women’s quality of life is observed. Despite this, sexuality remains a dimension that is frequently undervalued in clinical care. In addition to the physical changes resulting from the disease and its treatments, alterations in body image, perceptions of femininity, and relational balance may compromise the way women experience their intimacy and sexual identity. This study aimed to understand how the diagnosis and treatments of breast cancer interfere with women’s lived experience of sexuality. A qualitative methodology was employed, through the conduction of a focus group with six women previously diagnosed with breast cancer, aged between 47 and 69 years. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured interview with open-ended questions that encouraged participants to share their opinions and personal experiences. The data were analysed based on content analysis techniques. Participants reported significant changes in their sexual experience, namely loss of sexual desire, vaginal dryness, decreased self-esteem, and difficulties in intimacy with their partners. They also highlighted a lack of support and information from healthcare professionals regarding sexual changes associated with oncological treatment, reporting feelings of embarrassment and silence surrounding the topic. While some women were able to develop adaptive strategies, others continue to face significant barriers that impact their emotional and relational well-being. The results reinforce the importance of including the dimension of sexuality in the therapeutic plan for women with breast cancer, enhancing their emotional and relational well-being as well as their overall quality of life.