Pelvic floor muscle function in women with and without breast cancer: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: The aim of this study was to quantify PF muscle function in women with and without breast cancer using pressure manometry, digital palpation and transperineal ultrasound. Methods: This cross-sectional study included women with and without breast cancer. The primary outcome was PF muscle strength measured as maximal squeeze pressure (cmH2O). Differences between groups were analysed using independent t-tests or chi-square tests. Results: The group with breast cancer was older (mean age: 54 years) than the group without breast cancer (mean age: 38 years, p<0.0001). Participants with breast cancer had significantly weaker PF muscles as measured by maximal squeeze pressure (breast cancer group: mean 18 cmH2O, 95% CI 15, 21; control group: mean 29 cmH2O, 95% CI 27, 32; p<0.0001) and digital examination (strength rated as weak: 30% in participants with breast cancer compared to 9% in control group, p=0.0167). Relaxation ability was poorer in participants with breast cancer than control group participants (p=0.0039). Conclusion: Our cohort of women with breast cancer demonstrated reduced PF muscle strength and poorer relaxation ability compared to those without breast cancer. This finding suggests that therapies such as PF muscle training or relaxation techniques may be therapeutic targets to improve PF muscle function.