Saúde sexual e reprodutiva de mulheres com câncer de mama

Abstract

Objective: To understand aspects related to the sexual and reproductive health of women diagnosed with breast cancer undergoing oncological treatment. Methods: This is a crosssectional, exploratory, analytical, and descriptive study using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative). The sample consisted of 68 women undergoing oncological care in the city of Juiz de Fora (MG). Quantitative data were collected using a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, along with the Female Sexual Function Index – Breast Cancer (FSFIBC) scale. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and evaluated using Bardin (2011) Content Analysis supported by the IRAMUTEQ lexical software. Results: Quantitative analysis revealed that the majority of the sample (61.8%) was sexually inactive at the time of data collection. In the sexual function assessment via FSFI-BC, the "Distress" domain yielded the highest mean scores in both the active (21.88) and inactive (26.50) groups. A statistically significant association (p = 0.046) was also found between the "Changes after cancer" domain and the clinical staging of the disease. From a qualitative perspective, data processing formed categories that highlighted the impact of the disease's materiality and clinical interventions on the female body. The narratives demonstrated profound alterations in body image and femininity (exacerbated by alopecia and surgeries), disruptions in reproductive plans, and the centrality of family support networks and spirituality as coping strategies. Final Considerations / Conclusion: Breast cancer and its treatments impose severe impacts on sexual and reproductive health, generating high rates of distress and detachment from sexual life. There is a clear and urgent need to transcend the traditional biomedical model in oncological care. Guided by the Theory of Transpersonal Caring, it is essential for Nursing to provide comprehensive support, creating safe spaces for the discussion and psychosocial and reproductive rehabilitation of women.