Breast Cancer and Sexuality

Uniquia Thompson

November 12, 2013

Breast Cancer and Sexuality

Breast cancer has become a significant scientific, clinical, and societal challenge. Globally, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of death in women (Yarber et.al). There are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and women who are diagnosed at the earliest stage have a 93% survival rate (American Cancer Society). Sadly, the result of a breast cancer diagnosis sometimes results in death. White women have a slightly greater risk for developing breast cancer than African-American women, although African-American women are more likely to die from breast cancer (National Cancer Institute). The chance of dying from breast cancer is about 1 in 35. Surviving cancer may deepen one’s appreciation of life.

It is often a common mistake for individuals to associate breast cancer with older women; however, younger women and men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Men only account for about 1% of all breast cancer cases (Yarber et. al). The stages of breast cancer range from early, curable, to metastatic (WebMD). There are also different types of breast cancers that are based upon where the cancer originated. The types are ductal carcinoma (most common), lobular carcinoma, and inflammatory. Ductal carcinoma originates in the ducts and lobular carcinoma develops in the lobes (National Cancer Institute). Because of the growing statistics, it is essential for all women to perform breast exams on a regular basis (Rickerson). A fear of breast cancer or any cancer of the reproductive system is one reason why women avoid having regular breast examinations and Pap tests. It is also significant for individuals to differentiate between the clinical and societal challenges for the disease. These challenges include first identifying what cancer is, its risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments, and the effect breast cancer has on sexuality and intimacy.

First, society may ask what the definition of cancer is. Despite what most people think, cancer is not a single disease. Instead, it is more than 300 distinct illnesses that can affect any organ of the body (Yarber et.al). There are certain cancer causing agents named carcinogens that are believed to scramble the messages of DNA within cells. As of result of this, the cell responds by abandoning its normal functions. In order for cancer to be detected, there must be the presence of a tumor. The tumor may be benign, which is slow-growing and localized, or malignant, which is cancerous (Yarber et.al). When a malignant tumor is discovered in the breast, the prognosis of breast cancer begins.

Just as with any communicable or non-communicable disease, there are risk factors that should be taken into consideration. However, it is a known statement that the presence or non-presence of a risk factor does not conclude that the disease will or will not develop. Women should take the necessary precautions and be aware of their health and health history. Certain risk factors for breast cancer include, but are not limited to, a family history of breast cancer, obesity, drinking alcoholic beverages, menstruating at an early age, and taking hormones such as estrogen or progesterone for symptoms of menopause (National Cancer Institute). When women become aware of risk factors they are more prone to notice the development of signs and symptoms. WebMD states that some signs and symptoms include a lump in the breast or underarm that persists after the menstrual cycle, swelling in the armpit, pain or tenderness in the breast, noticeable flattening or indentation on the breast, and unusual discharge from the nipple. Breast lumps are often discovered by a woman or her sex partner. It is critical for women to consult a physician if one or more of these symptoms become noticeable. Early detection is the first step in preventative care and treatment for breast cancer.

Currently, scientists and clinicians have not found a cure for any form of cancer. Detection and treatment for the disease overlap. The most effective way to detect breast cancer is by mammography (WebMD). Although there is no cure, there are standard treatments and clinically developed treatments that are conducted on a trial basis. These treatments all are available to get rid of the cancer cells and prevent the disease from reoccurring. The main four standard treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. Each surgery involves a different procedure. A lumpectomy is the removal of only the lump and some tissue surrounding it, a partial mastectomy is the removal of more of the breast tissue than with a lumpectomy, a simple or total mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast, and a modified radical mastectomy is the removal of the entire breast, lymph nodes, and chest wall muscles under the breast. The modified radical mastectomy is the most common breast cancer surgery that is performed to date (Yarber et.al). The stage at which the breast cancer is discovered also has an effect on which type of surgery is predicted to be the most successful. For example, radiation only may be required for a stage zero diagnosis while a total mastectomy may be required for a stage four diagnosis. After surgery, other methods of treatment may be administered. Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves cytotoxic drugs, radiation is a treatment that is administered into the area where the cancer originated in order to kill any remaining cancer cells, and hormone therapy is used to stop or slow down the growth of tumors. Hormone therapy may be used before any type of surgery. Although most of these treatments help to save women’s lives, the effects they have on the body may influence the onset of other problems. These treatments may have women to experience nausea, constipation, loss of taste buds, aches and/or pains throughout the body, extreme fatigue and exhaustion, rapid heartbeat, muscle and joint stiffness, and insomnia (Harris).

Having any type of serious illness usually takes a toll on sex life. Breast cancer has been known to have different effects on women and their sexuality. Sexuality may be one aspect of life that