Treating sexual problems in females diagnosed with breast cancer : couple-based interventions vs treatment-as-usual

Abstract

Sexual well-being is an integral part of quality of life (QOL), that is frequently impacted by cancer treatments. Given the crucial role of partners in sexual problems, couple-based interventions seem to be first-line therapy in addressing cancer-related sexual problems. The objectives of this review are to determine whether couple-based interventions are efficacious than treatment-as-usual (TAU), to identify gaps in research and put forth clinical practice recommendations The research question reads: Are couple-based interventions more effective than treatmentas- usual (TAU) in the improvement of sexual problems experienced by females with breast cancer?’ The PICO elements consisted of; females diagnosed with breast cancer and their intimate partners as the ‘population’, couple-based interventions take on the ‘intervention’, treatment-as-usual relates to the ‘comparison’, while the management of sexual problems is the outcome of the study. The inclusion criteria included female participants diagnosed with an early-stage BC (Stage Ⅰ-Ⅲ), and who co-habit with a partner for at least six months. The studies had to be peer-reviewed and published in English. The exclusion criteria restricted women diagnosed with a metastatic BC. Moreover, articles published in a language other than English, and not available in full-text were excluded from the study. The literature search yielded five studies that were critically appraised using the Oxford appraisal skills programme (CASP, 2014), CONSORT and part 1 of the ‘Step by Step’ guide. Findings indicate that brief couple-based interventions prove to be effective in the management of sexual problems, mainly in improving sexual functioning, self-image and satisfaction. However, further studies are required to gain a better understanding of couple-based interventions and determine the best way to integrate such interventions in cancer care plans. This is done to maximise the effectiveness of treatment, and ultimately enhance the sexual QOL of couples coping with BC.