The sexual practice of young women in treatment for breast cancer

Abstract

Objective

To understand how the sexual practice (SP) of young women with breast cancer occurs. Method: Qualitative research; that used Symbolic Interactionism and Grounded Theory. Data collection took place between October/2017 and August/2019 in two Centers of High Complexity in Oncology, using a semi-structured guide for interviews. The guiding question was: “Tell me what it was like and what your sex life is like now after the cancer diagnosis”. Participated thirteen women with a sexual partner since the diagnosis of the disease. Results: First diagram: sexual practice is affected due to diagnosis and treatments for the disease; Second diagram: factors that contribute to its resumption are social and (mainly) affective support; Central category diagram: the companion (affective support) is the protagonist of the relationship network. Conclusion: SP is affected by the disease/treatments and its resumption occurs with the support of the partner. Implications for practice: It is necessary to address SP in health care, avoiding the distance between of the couple, reducing the anxieties and doubts of women in this condition.

Keywords:
Women; Body Image; Breast Cancer; Sexual Health; Sexuality