Sexual satisfaction did not differ between breast cancer survivors and their partners, but satisfaction with partner sexuality was lower after diagnosis for both patients and partners, and 75% of study participants reported not having received information about sexual health issues related to breast cancer.
Sexual satisfaction scores did not differ significantly between breast cancer patients and their partners.
Patients' and partners' sexual satisfaction scores were positively correlated with each other.
Satisfaction with partner sexuality was significantly lower after breast cancer diagnosis compared to before diagnosis, for both patients and partners.
The majority of study participants reported not having received information about sexual health issues related to breast cancer, and most expressed a desire for more information.
The study was a cross-sectional survey of breast cancer survivors and their partners conducted 1–5 years after completion of primary therapy.
The authors conclude that couple dynamics should be considered in breast cancer care, and that addressing sexuality may improve quality of life and psychosocial adjustment.
This research surveyed 64 breast cancer survivors and their 64 partners (128 people total) between 1 and 5 years after completing primary breast cancer treatment. The study found that breast cancer survivors and their partners reported similarly low levels of sexual satisfaction — there was no significant difference between the two groups. However, both patients and partners reported being less satisfied with their shared sexual relationship after the cancer diagnosis compared to before it, suggesting the diagnosis itself had a notable impact on the couple's sexual life together. Importantly, when one partner reported higher sexual satisfaction, the other tended to as well, highlighting how closely linked the sexual well-being of both people in a couple can be. One of the most striking findings was around information and support: 75% of participants said they had never received any information about sexual health issues related to breast cancer, and 64% said they wanted more information. This suggests a substantial gap between what patients and partners need and what they are currently being offered within healthcare settings. This research suggests that sexual health concerns after breast cancer affect not just the patient but their partner as well, and that both members of a couple may benefit from receiving guidance and support. Healthcare providers treating breast cancer survivors may want to consider routinely discussing sexual health with patients and, where appropriate, their partners, since the current study found that the large majority of people affected were not receiving this kind of information despite wanting it.
Flechtenmacher A, Schiestl L, Singer S, Hasenburg A. (2026). Sexual health of female breast cancer survivors and their partners.. Archives of gynecology and obstetrics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-026-08314-5