title: Sexual concerns of women diagnosed with breast cancer-related lymphedema.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Lymphedema is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment that may negatively impact on a woman's physical and psychological well-being. This study aimed to understand the impact of breast cancer-related lymphedema on women's sexual functioning, and to identify key concerns of these women regarding sexual issues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Purposive sampling recruited 17 women aged 38-67 years with mild to severe lymphedema. Telephone interviews concerning sexual issues were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis undertaken.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Women perceived sexual concerns arising from lymphedema to exacerbate concerns arising from breast cancer. Four interrelated factors determined the extent of lymphedema's sexual impact: (a) swelling severity and location, (b) needing to wear a compression garment, (c) body image concerns raised by lymphedema and breast cancer treatment, and (d) their sexual partner's acceptance and supportiveness. In particular, a supportive partner was instrumental in assisting women to overcome sexual issues caused by severe swelling and/or body image concerns. Few women reported being asked about sexual issues by any health professional, and most women indicated that they were unwilling to discuss sexual concerns with health professionals, friends, or family.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lymphedema had the potential to accentuate sexual issues caused by breast cancer, but most women were reluctant to discuss issues with anyone other than their partner. These findings are relevant to health professionals designing breast cancer psychosexual interventions and future research addressing lymphedema-specific sexual concerns.
authors: Macquarie University Cancer Institute, Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
authors: Caleb J
authors: CJ
authors: Winch
authors: Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia. Kerry.Sherman@mq.edu.au.
authors: Kerry A
authors: KA
authors: Sherman
authors: Macquarie University Cancer Institute, Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
authors: Louise A
authors: LA
authors: Koelmeyer
authors: Macquarie University Cancer Institute, Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
authors: Katriona M
authors: KM
authors: Smith
authors: Macquarie University Cancer Institute, Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.|Mount Wilga Private Hospital, 66 Rosamond Street, Hornsby, New South Wales, 2077, Australia.
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Mackie
authors: Macquarie University Cancer Institute, Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, 2109, Australia.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Boyages
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001504:Beauty; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners
keywords: Body image; Chronic illness; Lymphedema; Oncology nursing; Sexual function; Sexuality