Background and Objective: Fibromyalgia and treatment-related complications in breast cancer, particularly tamoxifen use, can significantly reduce women’s quality of life and sexual function. Natural supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hormonal effects, have the potential to improve patients’ clinical status. This study aimed to investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation on quality of life and sexual dysfunction in tamoxifen-treated women with breast cancer.
Methods: This semi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted on 140 women attending the Shahid Motahari Breast Cancer Prevention Clinic. The intervention group received one 1000 mg omega-3 capsule daily for three months. Quality of life was assessed using the QLQ-C30 questionnaire, and sexual function was measured with the FSFI questionnaire at baseline and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests.
Results: The findings indicated that omega-3 supplementation significantly improved quality of life and sexual function in the intervention group, while the control group showed no significant changes. The clinical effect of the intervention was also evaluated as very large.
Conclusion: These results suggest that omega-3, as a natural and safe supplement, can be effective in managing tamoxifen-related side effects and enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of patients. The findings provide a foundation for future research to explore the long-term effects, optimal dosage, and interactions of omega-3 with other supportive and pharmacological interventions.