Online sexual health interventions for breast cancer survivors: a systematic review of program features and sexual outcomes
In brief
Online programs improve sexual health for breast cancer survivors
A review of twelve studies found that web-based interventions-ranging from education and interactive tools to cognitive-behavioral and acceptance-based therapies-generally boosted sexual health outcomes in breast cancer survivors. While the results are encouraging, most reports were small and varied, so larger, rigorously designed trials are needed to confirm effectiveness.
- Journal
- Sexual medicine reviews (Q1)
- Published
- 30 June 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Baran Bagheri, Lida Moghaddam-Banaem, Seyed Ali Azin, Ali Asghar Safaei, Shahpar Haghighat
- PMID
- 42476542
- DOI
- 10.1093/sxmrev/qeag031
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Dermatology (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026): Systematic review of sexual health apps for breast cancer survivors
- Picked for Obstetrics and Gynecology (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
- Picked for Urology (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
- Picked for Reproductive Medicine (top studies of the week, 26 July 2026).
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Online-based interventions offer a promising solution to the numerous obstacles associated with delivering sexual health services to breast cancer survivors. It is most effective to implement online services that are grounded in scientific evidence and tailored to their specific needs. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review primarily aimed to analyze the features of online interventions tailored for individuals with breast cancer, with a secondary focus on examining their impact on sexual outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search of articles was conducted in seven databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane SID, and MAGIRAN), using the terms breast cancer, survivor, sexual health, internet intervention, and application software, with no time restriction up to June 30, 2025. Twelve eligible articles were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool, and the risk of bias for randomized controlled trials was evaluated using the Cochrane tool. RESULT: Although there is a diverse range of content used in delivering interventions, the predominant approaches encompass educational initiatives, interactive techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, personalized information, and self-help strategies. Most studies have reported positive effects of online interventions on sexual health. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that online interventions have features that can help improve the provision of sexual health services and be effective in improving the sexual health of breast cancer survivors.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.