Global trends in psychosexual and emotional health challenges among breast cancer survivors (1999-2024): Implications for public health and survivorship care.

[OBJECTIVES] This study aims to map global trends, knowledge structures, and collaboration patterns related to psychosexual and emotional health in breast cancer survivorship, and to identify implications for public health and survivorship care. It addresses the increasing prevalence of sexual dysfunction and depressive symptoms among breast cancer survivors, and the fragmented nature of research across oncology, psychology, nursing, and rehabilitation.

[STUDY DESIGN] A bibliometric analysis was conducted to analyze global research trends, publication patterns, and intellectual foundations related to psychosexual and emotional health among breast cancer survivors.

[METHODS] Publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection from 1999 to 2024 were analyzed. A total of 686 English-language original articles focused on breast cancer, sexual dysfunction, and depression were included. Co-authorship, keyword co-occurrence, and journal co-citation networks were constructed using CiteSpace 6.2.R6. The analysis examined annual publication trends, thematic clusters, citation bursts, and international collaboration patterns.

[RESULTS] Annual publications on this topic increased significantly after 2013, peaking in 2021 and 2023, reflecting growing recognition of psychosexual and emotional survivorship needs. Key themes identified in the research include sexual dysfunction, depression, quality of life, and body image. Emerging areas of focus include genitourinary syndrome of menopause, menopausal symptom management, and sexual rehabilitation. The United States, China, and the United Kingdom were major contributors, while low- and middle-income countries had limited representation. Core scholarly hubs included journals like and .

[CONCLUSIONS] Over the past 25 years, research on psychosexual and emotional health in breast cancer survivors has grown significantly, with a shift towards more patient-centered survivorship care. However, geographic disparities and methodological limitations remain, with potential implications for equity in mental and sexual health services. This highlights the need for longitudinal, culturally sensitive studies and greater participation from low- and middle-income countries in order to integrate psychosexual assessments and supportive interventions into public health and survivorship care pathways.