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Psicologia Hospitalar

On-line version ISSN 2175-3547

Abstract

SANTOS, Lucas Nápoli dos et al. Sexuality and breast cancer: stories of eight affected women. Psicol. hosp. (São Paulo) [online]. 2008, vol.6, n.2, pp. 02-19. ISSN 2175-3547.

The Brazilian Ministry of Health estimated 49 thousand new cases of Breast Cancer in the year 2008. The diagnosis and treatment tend to generate psychological changes with deep influence on the patients’ family and social behavior. Thus, the Study of Case method was used here with the purpose of analyzing influences caused by breast cancer and its treatment on the emotional and sexual life of eight affected women. Most of them reported reduction in the frequency of sexual intercourses, with no influence on the relationship with their partners. In some cases, the partner had even become more thoughtful. Lack of sexual drive, pain, difficulty to get excited and have orgasms were the main dysfunctions that resulted from the illness and treatment, according to the women. These results reveal the need of spaces where there can be a distinct listening and where the people can talk about their most diverse feelings regarding the illness, and the unique experience of each subject

Keywords : Breast cancer; Psychological effects; Sexuality.

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