title: Potential adverse impact of ovariectomy on physical and psychological function of younger women with breast cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of this study were to investigate menopausal symptoms, psychological function, sexual function, and body image as experienced by younger Australian women with breast cancer and to examine the effect of different breast cancer treatments on these parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire study was completed by 114 women aged 40 to 51 years with nonmetastatic breast cancer. Women were recruited from outpatient clinics or the community. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were conducted using Student's t tests and nonparametric tests, where appropriate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age of breast cancer women was 47.2 years. The most common symptoms reported were as follows: feeling tired/lacking energy (88%), loss of libido (87%), and hot flushes (83%). Anxiety and depression scores were high (18.00 ± 2.53 and 15.56 ± 1.56, respectively). Psychological symptoms (13.25 ± 6.91 vs 8.52 ± 5.61; P = 0.009), vasomotor symptoms (4.00 ± 1.90 vs 2.74 ± 1.91; P = 0.035), and sexual dysfunction scores (2.25 ± 0.86 vs 1.58 ± 1.01; P = 0.031) were significantly higher in breast cancer women with ovariectomy compared with breast cancer women without ovariectomy. Sexual feelings for partners (P = 0.02) and sexual frequency (P = 0.01) were less in women with ovariectomy compared with women without ovariectomy. Feelings of physical health, attractiveness, overall appearance, and satisfaction were significantly lower in ovariectomized women (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Menopausal symptoms, anxiety, and depression are common in younger breast cancer women. Importantly, ovariectomy in breast cancer women is associated with significant adverse menopausal physical symptoms, psychological impact, and sexual function. Both healthcare providers and women with breast cancer need to be aware of the impact of ovariectomy in younger women with breast cancer, and further education resources and support for these women should be targeted.
authors.affiliation: Jean Hailes Clinical Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Southern Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Padaphet
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sayakhot
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deeks
authors.forename: Helena
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Teede
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001315:Australia; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido; D008594:Menopause, Premature / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000503:physiopathology