Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
2009-10-13
pubmed:abstractText
While quality of life for most breast cancer survivors (BCS) returns to normal by 1 year post-treatment, problems in sexual function and intimacy often persist. The present study tested the efficacy of a 6-week psycho-educational group intervention in improving BCS's sexual well-being. We conducted a mailed survey of BCS 1-5 years post-diagnosis to identify a sample of women who reported moderately severe problems in body image, sexual function or partner communication, and were deemed eligible for the randomized intervention trial. Using a pre-randomized design, 70% (n = 284) were assigned to a 6-week psycho-educational group intervention and 30% (n = 127) were assigned to a control condition (print material only); however, only 83 BCS agreed to participate in the intervention. Four months post-intervention, the intervention and control groups were not significantly different on the primary outcome of emotional functioning; however, BCS randomized to the intervention group were more likely to report improvements in relationship adjustment and communication as well as increased satisfaction with sex compared to controls. Members of the intervention group who were the least satisfied with their sexual relationship appeared to improve the most. Although modest in its effects, this intervention can be delivered in standard clinical settings. Having an identified treatment may help reduce physician reluctance to ask BCS about problems in intimacy and as appropriate, refer them for timely help.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Nov
pubmed:issn
1573-7217
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
118
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
99-111
pubmed:dateRevised
2011-9-26
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Adult, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Aged, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Aged, 80 and over, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Body Image, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Breast Neoplasms, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Communication, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Emotions, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Female, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Humans, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Interpersonal Relations, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Mammaplasty, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Mastectomy, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Middle Aged, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Patient Education as Topic, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Personal Satisfaction, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Questionnaires, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Sexual Behavior, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Sexual Partners, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Socioeconomic Factors, pubmed-meshheading:19390963-Survivors
pubmed:year
2009
pubmed:articleTitle
Addressing intimacy and partner communication after breast cancer: a randomized controlled group intervention.
pubmed:affiliation
Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA. rowlandj@mail.nih.gov
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural