Lumpectomy Can Help Preserve Sexual Well-Being After Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast-conserving therapy or BCT, also known as lumpectomy removes the tumor while preserving most of breast tissue. This could be a great alternative for those women diagnosed with breast cancer who are not ready to undergo a full mastectomy. A study published in the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, titled, Breast-Conserving Therapy Preserves Sexual Well-Being More than Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction: Trends, Factors, and Interventions, highlighted that women who underwent this procedure reported better sexual well-being compared to those who had a full mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction.

The findings also highlighted that sexual well-being among lumpectomy patients actually improved within six months after surgery, whereas those who underwent mastectomy with reconstruction reported lower sexual well-being scores.

What did the study find?

Researchers studied the data from nearly 16,000 women who had breast cancer surgery between 2010 and 2022, among them, 54% had a lumpectomy, while 46% had a mastectomy and reconstruction. Before the surgery, both groups had similar sexual well-being scores. For the lumpectomy patients, it was 62 out of 100, whereas, for the mastectomy patients, it was 59 out of 100.

Six months later, the lumpectomy patients' scores increased to 66 and remained stable for the next five years. Whereas, the mastectomy patients' scores dropped to 50, and only slightly improved to 53 over time.

On average, women who had a lumpectomy scored nearly 8 points higher in sexual well-being compared to those who had a mastectomy and reconstruction.

Why Mastectomy Is done?

It is usually performed to remove breast tissue, especially when the cancer has spread across all breast tissue. Some also get it done to prevent breast cancer in people who have a high risk of developing it.

Why Does Lumpectomy Lead to Better Sexual Well-Being?

The reason for lumpectomy to preserve the sexual wellbeing lies in the way the surgery is done. It is less invasive and thus preserves breast tissues, and helps women feel more comfortable with their bodies post-surgery. It is also quicker and leads to a sooner recovery, both physically and emotionally. It also has fewer changes to sensation and so it reduces the concerns about body image and intimacy.

Is There Enough Medical Guidance on Sexual Health?

Despite the high rates of sexual dysfunction among breast cancer survivors, which is up to 85%, only a few women receive medical advice on how to maintain their sexual wellbeing during and after the treatment. The study also found that only 4% of lumpectomy patients and only 5% of mastectomy patients received a sexual health consultation. This is despite the availability of such services in the cancer center that the women did not get it.

This also therefore highlights an urgent need for healthcare providers to address sexual health when discussing treatment options with breast cancer patients. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, treatment decisions are deeply personal. While medical necessity determines whether lumpectomy or mastectomy is an option, those who can choose may want to consider the impact on their long-term sexual health. Better awareness and open discussions between doctors and patients can help ensure that treatment decisions align with overall well-being, including sexual health.