Mastectomies and intimacy

What’s the title of the study?

Investigating the impact of mastectomies on female breast cancer patients' sexual satisfaction.

What’s the project about?

Breast Cancer can have a big impact on women’s lives. The worry. The changes to their bodies. The side effects of treatment. Self esteem. Stress. All of these and more can make it harder to be physically intimate with a partner. And this in turn can impact wellbeing. 

Researchers want to understand what can impact women’s sexual satisfaction after primary breast cancer. And what can support it.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Emma Knight

Job title: Postgraduate student

Organisation: Birkbeck University of London

Email address: eknigh07@student.bbk.ac.uk 

Who can take part?

You can take part if you

• Have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer
• Had a single or double mastectomy at least 6 months ago
• Are not currently in active treatment (excluding hormone therapy) 
• Are in a romantic relationship 

Why do you want me to be involved? 

By sharing your experience, you can help researchers demonstrate the impact of sexual wellbeing on overall wellbeing. This could lead to greater awareness and support for women’s sexual wellbeing after breast cancer. 

What will you ask me to do?

The researchers would like you to take part in an online interview. It will take about 14 minutes and will cover topics such as 

• Desire
• Sexual identity
• Reconstruction
• Partner dynamics
• Communication

Although the researchers are looking at sexual satisfaction, they not ask about sexual experiences.

You’ll also be asked to complete a short demographics questionnaire. 

How do I get involved?

To take part, please complete the online sign-up form. The participant information sheet and consent form are at the beginning of the form. 

If you have any questions or would like more information before deciding to take part, you can email Emma at eknigh07@student.bbk.ac.uk.  

When’s the deadline?

12 June 2026