SEXUALITY, BODY IMAGE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF PATIENTS WITH MASTECTOMY AFTER BREAST CANCER

The aim of the study is to identify the factors which influence the psychological state of well-being, the variables which determine satisfaction with sexual life and the effects of a positive assessment of the body image. Material and methods: 31 women, aged between 39-69 years old (M = 57 +/- 7.8), mastectomized after breast cancer answered a survey regarding body image, sexual activity and quality of their sex life. The age when they underwent the intervention was between 33 and 67 (M = 48.30 +/- 7.5). 45.6% of the surveyed patients are not part of a couple (they are single, divorced or widows). Results: 55% of subjects are unhappy with their body image, when looking in the mirror. 48.39% no longer have any sexual activity, or that they are very unhappy with it. Weakly positive correlations have been recorded between satisfaction with one's physical appearance and the frequency of sexual intercourse (r =.44*, p =.020), as well as the belief in one's own attractiveness (r =.41, p =.033). Strongly positive correlations have been highlighted between the level of libido and sexual satisfaction (r =.98**, p =.00), as well as between the comfort and relaxation during sexual acts and sexual satisfaction (r =.92**, p =.00). Conclusions: the quality of life is strongly influenced by the level of satisfaction regarding the body image, the relationship with the significant other and the quality of sexual activity. The "level of education" variable was correlated positively with all variables regarding the body image and sexual life.