SEXUAL health problems are highly prevalent and distressing among breast cancer survivors, yet the majority of women report receiving little to no support from their healthcare teams, according to findings from the WISH-BREAST survey.
In this large, anonymous online survey, 1,775 women with a history of breast cancer described significant challenges with sexual health after treatment. Nearly 90% reported moderate to major changes in their sexual well-being, and over 84% said these changes caused them notable distress. The most frequently reported symptoms included decreased sexual interest (85.8%), vaginal dryness (78.2%), reduced arousal (69.2%), and body image concerns (60%). Pain during sex, fatigue, and difficulty with orgasm were also commonly reported.
Importantly, these issues were not confined to personal health, 72.3% of respondents said sexual health changes affected their intimate relationships. Despite the clear impact, 73% of participants said they received no information about sexual health from their oncology care teams. Among those who did, most initiated the discussion themselves.
In the absence of formal support, many women turned to social media, with 80% reporting they obtained sexual health information online. Notably, most of this content came from healthcare professionals, underlining the potential role of digital platforms in bridging gaps in patient education.
These findings underscore a major disconnect between survivor needs and standard follow-up care. As breast cancer survivorship continues to rise, addressing sexual health must become a more routine component of post-treatment care.
The survey highlights both the ongoing burden of sexual dysfunction in this population and the opportunity for clinicians to engage more proactively in conversations around intimacy, body image, and quality of life.
Reference:
Agrawal LS et al. Women’s Insights on Sexual Health After Breast Cancer (WISH-BREAST) Survey. JCO Oncol Pract. 2025:OP2500043. [Online ahead of print]
