The impact of breast cancer treatment on young women’s body image and sexual health.

Abstract

11134 Background: In 2023 MSKCC launched the Young Women with Breast Cancer Program (YWBCP) to provide comprehensive care, education, and research studies for young women with cancer. This program explored how breast cancer treatment impacts body image, sexual health, self-esteem, and personal priorities. Methods: MSKCC’s YWBCP conducted online surveys of women aged 45 and younger at diagnosis (intake) (n=964) and six months into treatment (n=328). Surveys assessed psychological wellbeing, sexual health, body image, and referral requests. This abstract analyzes data from both surveys. Results: I ntake data (n=964) revealed 57% (n=544) had children before diagnosis. 25%(n=236) sought information on fertility preservation, while 16% (n=156) were interested, but not ready for it. 18% (n=169) underwent fertility preservation. 26% (n=251) had a desire to protect fertility, but had not yet. Paired analysis (n=328) from intake and follow up showed 46% (n=147) felt less positive about their bodies, 42% (n=134) had no change, and 13% (n=41) improved. Half (50%; n=161) reported decreased appreciation of their body’s uniqueness and 37% (n=118) no change. In response to the statement, “I act as though I like my body," 36% (n=115) declined, 24% (n=76) improved, and 40% (n=128) were consistent. Interest in sexual activity decreased (34%; n=107) more than increased (24%; n=75). Sexual satisfaction also declined in 55% (n=169), but improved in 16% (n=49) and remained the same in 29% (n=91). Concern about cancer or treatment affecting sexual ability decreased in 31% (n=98), increased in 27% (n=86) and was unchanged in 41% (n=129). At baseline women’s top three concerns were cancer’s impact on friends and family (27%; n=480), discussing cancer with loved ones (16%; n=282) and financial issues (15%; n=272). Social work requests prioritized individual therapy (23%; n=326), support groups (21%; n=301) , family support (19%; 265), educational programs (13%; n=189), mental health resources (12%; n=170) and peer-to-peer programs (12%; n=176). Concerns were prioritized differently at 6 months, with financial issues (21%; n=113) first, followed by cancer’s impact on friends and family (19%; n=102), then relationships (16%; n=83). Social work preferences changed slightly: individual therapy (28%; n=86), support groups (19%; n=59, educational programs (14%; n=45), mental health resources (14%; n=45); peer-to-peer programs (13%; n=41) and family support (11%; n=35). Conclusions: YWBCP data show the importance of onco-fertility and social work counseling throughout treatment. Young breast cancer patients experience significant declines in body image, sexual satisfaction, and sexual desire, highlighting the need for targeted sexual health interventions. Financial toxicity worsens over time, warranting referrals to financial services to mitigate concerns. Additional intervention studies are being performed to improve patient QoL.