Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41855623›Full record

ArticleBreast (Edinburgh, Scotland)2026

Impact of breast cancer on sexuality and psycho-physical wellbeing: Survey analysis.

Paola Zagami, Beatrice Taurelli Salimbeni, Eleonora Petra Preti, Angela Esposito, Antonio Marra, Dario Trapani, Elisabetta Munzone, Manuelita Mazza, Silvia Martella, Ilaria Durosini and 6 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Breast (Edinburgh, Scotland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing 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

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
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

16 authors.

Paola ZagamiDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy. Electronic address: paola.zagami@ieo.it.
Beatrice Taurelli SalimbeniDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Eleonora Petra PretiUnit of Preventative Gynecology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, 20141, Italy.
Angela EspositoDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Antonio MarraDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Dario TrapaniDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Division of Medical Senology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Elisabetta MunzoneDivision of Medical Senology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Manuelita MazzaDivision of Medical Senology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Silvia MartellaUnit of Preventative Gynecology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, 20141, Italy.
Ilaria DurosiniApplied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Serena PerazzoDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
Renato MarsicanoDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Pier Paolo Maria Berton GiachettiDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Giuseppe CuriglianoDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Carmen CriscitielloDivision of New Drugs and Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Gabriella PravettoniApplied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hematology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC) can significantly impact patients' sexual and psycho-physical wellbeing. Awareness and preparedness among healthcare professionals are essential to address these issues effectively.

methodsBetween March and April 2024, a nationwide survey was conducted in Italy among 109 healthcare professionals (including oncologists and gynecologists) to assess their knowledge, training, and clinical practices related to the impact of BC on sexuality and psycho-physical health.

findingsMost respondents were oncologists (59%), followed by gynecologists (26%) and psychologists (13%), with the majority aged between 35 and 59 years. Overall, 56% considered themselves "fairly informed," while only 23% felt "very informed" and 21% "poorly informed." Specific training in this field had been received by only 30% of respondents. Among oncologists, just 17% reported being "very informed." Despite this, nearly all agreed that dedicated training is essential for optimal BC management. Only 16% of participants routinely addressed sexuality-related concerns with patients, while 38% rarely did so. Reported barriers included patient reluctance and embarrassment, limited consultation time, and lack of access to specialized centers. Half of the respondents reported multidisciplinary collaboration in managing sexual health issues, though only 32% had access to dedicated gynecological services. Pharmacological approaches were rarely used; counseling was the primary intervention, sometimes complemented by techniques such as acupuncture and cognitive behavioral therapy. While 76% had access to psychological services, all participants recognized their importance in addressing patients' sexual health.

conclusionThe findings highlight the urgent need for targeted training and improved multidisciplinary access to address the sexual and psycho-physical needs of breast cancer patients. Institutional commitment and systemic changes are essential to ensure comprehensive and patient-centered care.

Indexed as

Breast NeoplasmsSexual HealthSexualityAdultFemaleGynecologistsHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeHumansItalyMaleMiddle AgedOncologistsPsychological Well-BeingSurveys and QuestionnairesBreast cancerHealthcare trainingPsychological supportPsycho-physical wellbeingSexuality

Identifiers

PMID41855623
PMCPMC13019102

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

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.