Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual activity, sexual problems or sexual satisfaction in French early‐stage breast cancer survivors (BCS).

Methods: Eight hundred and fifty eligible, post‐treatment (6 months–5 years) female patients, aged 18–70 years, randomly selected from a consultation list, were invited to fill in questionnaires exploring quality of life (EORTC QLQ‐C30 and QLQ‐BR23), body image scale, and sexuality (Sexual Activity Questionnaire–SAQ; Relationship and Sexuality Scale; French Sexual Behaviour Survey—CSF).

Results: Fifty‐three percent of BCS agreed to participate. Participating women (n=378) were younger, more often premenopausal at diagnosis and with a more recent diagnosis than non‐respondents. The prevalence of sexual problems was significantly higher in BCS compared with adjusted data from a French female representative sample (p<0.0001). In logistic regression, no sexual activity (R²=0.37) or sexual dissatisfaction (R²=0.28) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, poorer body image, or co‐morbidities. In sexually active women (71% of respondents), lower frequency of sexual activity (R²=0.26), lower sexual pleasure (R²=0.22), or higher sexual discomfort (R²=0.22) were associated with the feeling of emotional separation in the couple or of partner's fear of sexual intercourse, lower emotional functioning, age (>50 years), nausea, or insomnia (all Hosmer–Lemeshow tests: p=NS).

Conclusions: Psychological factors including the perception of the couple relationship appeared prominent in BCS women's experience of sexual problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.