Clinical Report: The Impact of Physical Activity Levels on Sexual Function in Breast Cancer Survivors

Overview

This integrative review examines the relationship between physical activity levels and sexual function in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). It highlights a significant gap in literature regarding exercise's impact on sexual health outcomes, despite the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among BCSs.

Background

Breast cancer is a leading cancer diagnosis among women, with a 5-year survival rate of 91%. Many survivors experience sexual dysfunction due to treatment-related changes, which can negatively affect quality of life. Addressing sexual health in BCSs is crucial, yet often overlooked in clinical practice.

Data Highlights

This review synthesizes existing literature on the effects of physical activity on sexual function in BCSs, noting insufficient evidence to support exercise as a remedy for sexual dysfunction.

Key Findings

• 50% to 70% of women experience unfavorable changes to sexual function post-breast cancer treatment.
• 30% to 40% of women on tamoxifen report negative sexual experiences.
• Over 50% of women on aromatase inhibitors experience loss of sexual well-being.
• 46% of cancer survivors report unmet sexual health needs, with 71% receiving no medical care for sexual dysfunction.
• Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly for cancer survivors.
• There is a lack of modality-specific data on exercise interventions for improving sexual health in BCSs.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should prioritize discussions around sexual health with breast cancer survivors, as many experience significant dysfunction. Incorporating physical activity into survivorship care may improve overall quality of life, though more research is needed to establish its direct effects on sexual function.

Conclusion

The review underscores the need for further investigation into the role of physical activity in enhancing sexual health outcomes for breast cancer survivors, addressing a critical gap in current literature.

References

1. American Cancer Society, 2025 -- Breast Cancer Facts & Figures
2. Vegunta et al., 2022 -- Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment
3. Zdenkowski et al., 2016 -- Sexual Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
4. Boswell & Dizon, 2015 -- Sexual Dysfunction in Cancer Survivors
5. ACSM, 2019 -- Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
6. Frontiers in Oncology — Effects of different exercise interventions on quality of life in breast cancer survivors after treatment: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
7. The ASCO Post — Overcoming Gender Disparity in Evaluating Sexual Health Following a Cancer Diagnosis
8. The ASCO Post — Physical Activity and Cognitive Function Before, During, and After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
9. conexiant — Exercise Matters Following Cancer
10. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Survivorship, Version 2.2025
11. Impact of exercise on sexual health, body image, and therapy-related symptoms in women with metastatic breast cancer
12. The Role of Physical Exercise in Sexual Health and Body Image in Women Living with and Surviving Breast Cancer: A Scoping Review | MDPI