Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41526763›Full record

ArticleJournal of cancer survivorship : research and practice2026

Breast cancer survivor's sexual health unmet supportive care needs: a mixed-methods study.

Diana Ferreira, Ana Luísa Quinta-Gomes, Sonia Pieramico, Elisabete Weiderpass, Rui Santana, Gerhard Andersson, Cristina Mendes-Santos

Abstract read
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In one paragraph

Article in Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Diana FerreiraCenter for Psychology of Porto University, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal. up202202196@up.pt.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9977-1726
Ana Luísa Quinta-GomesCenter for Psychology of Porto University, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6421-656X
Sonia PieramicoCenter for Psychology of Porto University, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3059-8651
Elisabete WeiderpassInternational Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2237-0128
Rui SantanaNOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Carcavelos, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1370-3242
Gerhard AnderssonDepartment of Behavioural Sciences and Learning (IBL), Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4753-6745
Cristina Mendes-SantosCenter for Psychology of Porto University, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1437-9157

Funding

World Health Organization 001
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeBreast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. Despite advances in early detection and treatment improving long-term survival rates, the sexual health needs of breast cancer survivors (BCS) remain overlooked due to the predominant focus on biomedical outcomes. In Portugal, as in many other countries, these needs are frequently neglected, despite evidence showing their significant impact on the quality of life. This study aims to explore the unmet sexual health needs of BCS in Portugal, identify barriers to addressing these issues in oncological settings, and outline key requirements for developing effective interventions to improve their quality of life.

methodsA mixed-methods design was used, combining quantitative data from 336 BCS, assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and EORTC QLQ-C30/BR23 questionnaires, with qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 11 survivors. Interviews explored unmet sexual health needs and satisfaction with oncology support services. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically.

resultsQuantitative findings showed low sexual functioning, particularly in desire and arousal, and high levels of sexual pain. Emotional functioning scored lowest in quality-of-life assessments, with fatigue, insomnia, and pain as prevalent symptoms. Qualitative results highlighted unmet needs, including a lack of sexuality-related information, body image concerns, limited psychosexual support, and insufficient partner involvement.

conclusionsParticipants reported poor sexual functioning and quality of life, with critical sexual health needs unaddressed in care. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Integrating tailored sexual health support-including psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions-into oncology services may enhance survivors' emotional well-being, relational intimacy, and overall quality of life.

Indexed as

Acceptance and commitment therapyBreast cancer survivorsCognitive-behavior therapyInternet interventionSexual health

Identifiers

PMID41526763

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.