A new study commissioned by Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has revealed the true impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on women’s sexual well-being.

Michelle Marven, National Policy Manager BCNA said that sexual wellbeing is often overlooked when women are diagnosed with breast cancer or undergoing treatment, yet it is an area that is so crucial to their overall health.

“This study provides overwhelming new evidence indicating that sexual wellbeing is an area that is too often ignored, leaving women feeling isolated and alone as a result.

“The findings indicate an urgent need for more information and better support in this area, both for the women who are experiencing breast cancer and the health professionals who are treating them.

Breast cancer survivor Samantha diCicco reflects on her experience: “My body resembled a battle zone. A war I had won but not without casualties. It wasn’t the body I grew up with, the one I’d grown to love, the one my husband loved.

“Sexual wellbeing was something that was never discussed or brought up with any of my doctors during my surgeries or treatments. I needed information, something or someone that my husband and I could turn to and find out what we could do physically, as well as emotionally, to get us through this.

No doctors were willing to ask me outright, “Do you need any support in your sexual relationship during this time?”

To help women and health professionals better navigate this often difficult issue, BCNA has developed a comprehensive booklet, Breast Cancer and Sexual Wellbeing which will be available in printed format and on BCNA’s website.

The research commissioned by BCNA and conducted by the University of Western Sydney surveyed 2210 people with breast cancer around Australia. A separate survey was completed by 159 health professionals. The research findings, along with extensive consumer consultations, were used to inform the development of the new booklet.