Literature Review: Explore the Effects that Breast Cancer can have on a Women's Sexuality/Sexual Dysfunction

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Abstract

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a stressful and potentially life-altering experience for women, with potentially deleterious physical and mental health outcomes. In light of the increases in cancer survival rates in the general population, healthcare researchers have devoted greater attention to the sexual dysfunctionality of breast cancer patients. In this important area of research, relatively few studies have focused on the breast cancer experience of British women, who are suffering from sexual dysfunctionality. The burden of breast cancer for this group of women is grave, especially given many economic, cultural, and health disparities. This paper presents a systematic review of literature based on the synthesis and analysis of selected studies conducted in three of the most developed countries, United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTI

INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Rationale3

Aim of Review4

Objectives4

METHODOLOGY5

Research Design6

Secondary Research Methods7

Qualitative Research8

Literature Search12

Reliability and Validity12

LITERATURE REVIEW15

Inclusion Exclusion Criteria15

Critical Analysis16

Conclusion22

REFERENCES25

APPENDIX - A28

Introduction

I have chosen to base my research on breast cancer as it's a topic that interests me a lot. Breast cancer runs through my family and I feel that if I able to research and understand the risk factors and ongoing implications that may affect them both physically and mentally, then I will be able to portray this through my family helping them to understand too. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for nearly a quarter of all cases amongst women worldwide (Breast Cancer UK, 2010).

The statistics published by Cancer Research UK state that in 2008, 48,034 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 11,728 women unfortunately died from the disease. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with the disease at some point during their life. Breast cancer also affects 300 men per year. (Macmillan 2010). Survival rates of breast cancer in women have been gradually improving over the last 30 years. (Cancer Research UK, 2009) In England, during the years 2001 to 2006, the survival rates of women for more than five years were 82% and the estimated twenty year survival rate for women was 64%.

Background

Over the past few years, there have recent improvements to the available treatments to breast cancer patients. Along with early detection rates the survival rates for the disease are increasing, however the UK still has one of the highest mortality rates for breast cancer in the world. Breast cancer is a disease where the cells in the breast divide uncontrollably which causes cell growth and eventually for a lump to accumulate. Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a stressful and potentially life-altering experience for women, with potentially deleterious physical and mental health outcomes (Travis, Allen, Appleby, Spencer, Roddam, Key, 2008, 705).

In light of the increases in cancer survival rates in the general population, healthcare researchers have devoted greater attention to the sexual dysfunctionality of breast cancer patients. In this important area of research, relatively few studies have focused on the breast cancer experience of British, American, and Australian women, ...