title: Breast cancer-related lymphedema and sexual experiences: a mixed-method comparison study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Up to 40% of breast cancer survivors develop lymphedema, a chronic and sometimes disabling condition that manifests as abnormal swelling of the effected arm or hand or upper chest areas. Although the effects of lymphedema on quality of life have been well established, less well documented are the sexual experiences of breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. This study is the first to compare the sexual experiences of women with (n = 243) and without breast cancer-related lymphedema (n = 109).
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed-method design was used to explore both quantitatively and qualitatively the impact of lymphedema on participants' sexual experiences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants with breast cancer-related lymphedema reported struggles with compression garments and sexual intimacy, negative feelings involving the breast and arm, and feelings of decreased sexual desire.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recommendations for healthcare professionals, social workers, and marriage and family therapists are offered with the aim of assisting women with breast cancer-related lymphedema and their sexual partners.
authors.affiliation: Family Studies and Social Work, Miami University, USA.
authors.forename: M Elise
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Radina
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, New York University, USA.
authors.forename: Mei R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.affiliation: Family Studies and Social Work, Miami University, USA.
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Horstman
authors.affiliation: Statistics, Columbia University, USA.
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: breast cancer; breast cancer-related lymphedema; chronic illness; mixed-method; sexual behaviour