None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Whilst the long-term effects of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy with tamoxifen on sexual function and quality of life of women with breast cancer has been well documented, less is known about the impact of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) on a woman’s sexual functioning. Common sexual issues raised have included vaginal dryness, painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) and a reduction in libido. AIs have largely replaced tamoxifen as choice of hormonal treatment in post-menopausal women and as there will an increasing number of women on AIs, it is important to document the impact of AI use on sexual functioning. The result of this study will raise the awareness of the potential effects of AI use and sexual dysfunction for both the physician and patient.
Interventions
The primary outcome is sexual functioning and of interest is the report of vaginal dryness, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) and sexual satisfaction. This will be measured with validated questionnaires at baseline (prior to treatment with aromatase inhibitors), at 3 months and at 6 months. The duration of observation is 6 months.
Participants will include women with a diagnosis of breast cancer who are menopausal at the time of recruitment (ie no menstruation for at least 6 months).Thes
The primary outcome is sexual functioning and of interest is the report of vaginal dryness, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) and sexual satisfaction. This will be measured with validated questionnaires at baseline (prior to treatment with aromatase inhibitors), at 3 months and at 6 months. The duration of observation is 6 months. Participants will include women with a diagnosis of breast cancer who are menopausal at the time of recruitment (ie no menstruation for at least 6 months).These are women who will be receiving recommended treatment with aromatase inhibitors (not a trial intervention but routine treatment). Many breast tumours are "oestrogen sensitive," meaning the hormone oestrogen helps them to grow. Aromatase inhibitors can help slow or stop the growth of these tumours by lowering the amount of oestrogen in the body.
Sponsors
Professor Michael Friedlander
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Primary breast cancer. Post-menopausal (no menstrual periods for at least 6 months). 6-8 weeks post chemotherapy Not receiving adjuvant anti-oestrogen therapy at time of study entry Fluent in English Willingness to complete questionnaire.
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.
Outcome results
None listed