Study of the effects of group counseling on quality of sexual life of patients with breast cancer under chemotherapy at Imam Khomeini Hospital

Background and Regarding the importance of quality of sexual life in patients with cancer especially breast cancer, and because of controversy on the impact of counseling on QOL promotion in such patients, this study was performed at cancer Institute of Imam Khomeini hospital Tehran, in 2004, to determine the effects of group counseling on QOSL of patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. In this randomized clinical trial, 114 women 25-55 years old undergoing chemotherapy due to breast cancer and with the history of mastectomy were studied in two groups: control group (Standard care n=63) and case group (standard care+ counseling n= 51). Five sessions of counseling were performed for case group and QOSL of patients were measured at start and end of the study by standard questionnaire (QLQ-Br 23). Results revealed that group counseling promoted these items: body image, sexual function and sexual enjoyment. QOSL of such patients were improved by means of group counseling (p<0.001). Regarding the results of the study, group counseling program can be recommended as an effective approach in QOSL promotion in such clients.