Abstract

The aim is to examine alterations in body image and sexuality in women with breast cancer. The hypothesis is that social support (from partners, network, doctors/paramedics) and quality of partner relationship exert a protective role. Participants were women with breast cancer (N = 101) who had had a mastectomy in the previous 5 years. Results highlight that alterations in femininity, which directly influence problems in sexuality, are indirectly reduced by partner's and network support with the mediation of anxiety and depression, and directly reduced by quality of partner relationship, whereas support from doctors and paramedics does not have a relevant impact.