PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ALTERATIONS IN SEXUALITY, FERTILITY, AND BODY IMAGE IN YOUNG BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND THEIR PARTNERS

Young women with breast cancer have age-specific concerns regarding changes in sexuality, fertility, and body image. However, the psychological impact of BC and its treatments is not exclusive to young patients and it also affects their social context, especially their partners, as they experience higher illness intrusiveness than the partners of older women. In young BC patients, relationships, body image, and sexual problems are related to most quality of life domains. While BC treatment is being planned, all women should be informed about the possible side-effects of treatment on sexuality, fertility, and body image. Inclusion of partners into decision making should be pursued to restore, improve, and maintain effective communication and positive relationships in young couples facing BC. The aim of this review is to describe the psychological impact of alterations in sexuality, fertility, and body image in young BC patients and their partners, and to recommend strategies to address such issues in a timely manner.