title: Psychological and sexual disorders in long-term breast cancer survivors.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The progressive increase in the number of patients surviving long term after a diagnosis of malignant disease has led to a focus on the early and late complications of the disease and its treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of complications which may worsen quality of life and shorten long-term survival.
  
  
  METHODS
  We identified 306 cancer patients who had been disease-free without treatment for at least three years. Of these, 167 with breast cancer were enrolled in this study. A detailed questionnaire-based interview was undertaken to investigate the characteristics of the patients (age, gender, marital status, education), the tumor (date of diagnosis, histology), and treatment. We also used the Beck Depression Inventory to screen for depression, Spitzer's Quality of Life Index to assess quality of life, and the International Index of Erectile Function and the Female Sexual Function Index to get precise information on sexual function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Psychological effects were reported by 121 (72.4%) subjects. Sexual disorders were identified in 60 (35.9%) subjects. A correlation between frequency of psychological disorders and severity of sexual disorders was reported. The proportion of psychological disorders was higher in younger patients, those who were married, and those with low education.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In survivors of breast cancer, the incidences of psychological and sexual affective disorders are significant and frequently correlated, resulting in diminished quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Medical Oncology Unit, Rete Assistenza Oncologica, Siracusa, Italy.
authors.forename: Vitalinda
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pumo
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Milone
authors.forename: Margherita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Iacono
authors.forename: Sebastiano Rametta
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Giuliano
authors.forename: Annamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Mari
authors.forename: Calogera
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lopiano
authors.forename: Sebastiano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bordonaro
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tralongo