(197) Impact of Diagnosis and Treatment on Sexual Health in Women with Early Breast Cancer - An Analysis of the BRandO-BiO-Cohort

Abstract Introduction Evidence on sexual health among long-term breast cancer survivors remains scarce. Oncological treatments for breast cancer may result in sexual dysfunction, which may adversely affect patients' self-esteem and overall quality of life. Objective The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the long-term impact of primary breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on patients' sexual well-being. Methods The data were collected as part of the prospective, multicenter BRandO-BiO (BReast and Ovarian Cancer) registry study at a tertiary university hospital in Germany. Included in the analysis were patients with primary breast cancer. Analyses were conducted using data from the cancer registry and questionnaire databases. Standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate partnership and sexual life at initial diagnosis and longitudinally at 1, 3 and 5 years of follow-up. Measurements included changes in sexuality and partnership as well as interest, activity and joy of sex. In addition, influence of various treatments (chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, type of surgery), age and menopausal status on changes in sexual life was analyzed. Results Between 2016 and 2023, a total of 921 patients with breast cancer were included in the BRandO-BiO study. The median age was 59 years, with 71% of patients being postmenopausal and 29% premenopausal. 80% of the patients were diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Overall, 3 years after the initial diagnosis, patients experienced significant changes in their partnership and sexuality (although the direction of these changes was not specified). Regarding the analyzed parameters of sexuality, patients generally had a low level of interest at the time of diagnosis. However, 1 year after diagnosis, interest, sexual activity and joy of sex increased. These changes in sexuality over time were independent of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy; however, there were significant negative effects (p 0.001) on interest, activity, and joy of sex in postmenopausal patients and in those women over the age of 60 years. Notably, 44% of women did not respond to questions regarding sexual activity. Conclusions Our analysis shows that the greatest negative impact on sexual health occurred at the time of breast cancer diagnosis. Sexual function improved over the first year, and long-term outcomes at 3 and 5 years indicate a substantial recovery. This effect was independent of the type of treatment but was influenced by age and menopausal status. These findings highlight the importance of providing targeted support and counseling to breast cancer patients, particularly in the first year after diagnosis, to address sexual health concerns and improve overall quality of life. Disclosure No