Keywords
Pelvic floor
Urinary incontinence
Sexual dysfunctions physiological
Quality of life
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Abstract
Objective: To synthesize available evidence on the occurrence, correlates, and quality-of-life impact of PFD in women with breast cancer. Methods: Systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023495350). PubMed was searched using the terms 'breast cancer' and 'pelvic floor dysfunctions,' restricted to human studies published from February 2014 to September 2024. Of 342 records identified, 25 underwent full-text review and 9 met the eligibility criteria. Results: Eight of nine included studies (88.9%) reported a positive association between breast cancer or its treatments and PFD. Women undergoing endocrine therapy frequently reported reduced sexual desire, dyspareunia, and vaginal symptoms. Greater urinary symptom distress and negative quality-of-life impact were observed compared with controls. Anatomical pelvic floor changes were documented in tamoxifen users. Over 90% of patients had never received pelvic floor physiotherapy. Final considerations: PFDs are prevalent and underrecognized in women with breast cancer, particularly among those undergoing endocrine therapy. Early identification, patient education, and multidisciplinary management, including pelvic floor rehabilitation, are essential to improve quality of life in this population.
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