Oral Presentation Clinical Oncology Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2023

Genitourinary symptoms in women with breast cancer: patients’ attitudes and experiences (#31)

Antonia Pearson 1 2 , Haryana Dhillon 3 , Jill Chen 3 , Janine Lombard 4 5 6 , Martha Hickey 7 8 , Belinda Kiely 9 10 11
  1. Northern Beaches Hospital, Frenchs Forest, NSW, Australia
  2. University of Sydney, Camperdown
  3. Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown
  4. Newcastle Private Hospital, Newcastle
  5. Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Newcastle
  6. University of Newcastle, Newcastle
  7. University of Melbourne, Melbourne
  8. Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne
  9. NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown
  10. Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centre, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown
  11. Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Concord

Aim: We aimed to improve understanding of the perceptions and experiences of genitourinary symptoms (GUS) in women with breast cancer (BC).

Methods: Oncology clinic attendees from nine NSW cancer services and Breast Cancer Network Australia members completed a survey addressing the type and impact of GUS experienced, and perceptions of treatment options.

Results: Surveys were completed by 505 women: mean age 59 years (range 30 – 83); 52% currently sexually active; 58% currently on endocrine treatment and 84% had early stage BC. 70% of respondents reported experiencing GUS, with a minority reporting changing (5%) or stopping (4%) their endocrine treatment as a result. Vaginal dryness was the most common symptom reported (62%), followed by pain on penetration (41%) and itch (33%). Only 38% of respondents recalled being warned by their cancer doctor that GUS can be a side effect of BC treatment, and 51% reported never being asked about GUS. Being uncomfortable talking to a male health professional was reported as a moderate or major barrier to seeking help for GUS by 27% of respondents. Few respondents reported using vaginal: lubricants (40%); moisturisers (25%); or oestrogens (14%).  Amongst women reporting use of vaginal oestrogens, 42% found they helped their GUS “quite a bit” or “very much”. The most frequently reported moderate to major barriers preventing use of vaginal oestrogens were: packaging saying “not to use if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer” (63%), “worry that vaginal oestrogen will increase my risk of breast cancer returning” (58%) and “my cancer doctor has not recommended vaginal oestrogens” (48%).

Conclusions: GUS are a common symptom for women with BC yet the majority are not warned about these symptoms. Healthcare professionals could provide more information about GUS and treatment options and monitor for symptoms to reduce their impact on women after BC.