Including Partners in Discussions of Sexual Side Effects from Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study of Survivors, Partners, and Providers

Objective: To assess breast cancer survivor, partner, and provider perspectives on the importance of including partners in discussions between providers and survivors about cancer-related sexual concerns. Methods: Partnered female breast cancer survivors (N=29) completed online surveys, and intimate partners of breast cancer survivors (N=12) and breast oncology providers (N=8) completed semi-structured interviews. Themes were derived from thematic content analysis.Results: Among survivors who reported a discussion with their provider, fewer than half indicated their partner had been present, despite most survivors expressing it was – or would have been – helpful to include their partner. Partners also largely indicated being included was or would have been helpful, when welcomed by the survivor. Providers similarly emphasized the importance of survivors’ autonomy in deciding whether to discuss sexual concerns in the presence of a partner. Conclusions: Partners were infrequently included in conversations about cancer-related sexual concerns, even though survivors, partners, and providers alike expressed value in these discussions occurring with the couple together – when that is the survivor’s preference. Practice implications: Providers should clearly communicate that survivors may include their partner in discussions about cancer-related sexual concerns, making use of accessible intervention strategies like telehealth and digital health to increase feasibility.