Abstract

SANTOS, Manoel Antônio dos et al. The (in)sustainable lightness of affective ties: investigating sexuality inwomen facing the treatment of breast cancer. Vínculo [online]. 2013, vol.10, n.1, pp.01-08. ISSN 1806-2490.

Cancer and its treatments often affect specific aspects of patients' sexual functioning and intimate life. This study aimed to analyze the impact of breast cancer treatments on sexuality and intimacy in breast cancer patients. Observations were made of group meetings with patients, distributed along the continuum of care typical of the first year of treatment coping. The clinical-qualitative method was used, so that it favored the establishment of relations of meaning between the data obtained by adopting an attitude of understanding. The treatment effects most commonly discussed in the groups in relation to sexual functioning and intimacy were: hair loss, weight gain or weight loss, chronic fatigue, nausea, partial or total loss of the breast and the feeling of no longer being a complete woman. Additional barriers have been reported, such as social stigma, lack or inconsistency of family support, need for absence from work. The sexual functioning and aspects of intimacy were considered important for the preservation of quality of life. While most cancer effects have been negatively valued, many participants identified improvements in intimate life after the experience of illness.

Keywords : Breast cancer; sexuality; bonds; support group.

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