Issues of intimacy and sexual dysfunction following major head and neck cancer treatment

Psychological interventions for the sexual sequelae of cancer: A review of the literature

“…While sexual dysfunction may result from physiological treatment effects, desire, orgasmic pleasure, and sexual satisfaction are also strongly related to psychological function (e.g., sexual performance anxiety) [8]. Other examples of sexual dysfunction related to cancer therapy in men include dyspareunia with bladder cancer [see [9] for review] and problems with sexual desire, pleasure, and partner intimacy in head and neck cancer [10].…”

Management of sexual side effects in the surgical oncology practice: A nationwide survey of Dutch surgical oncologists

“…8 One-third of patients who have undergone major head and neck carcinoma treatment reported substantial problems with sexual interest and intimacy. 9 Colorectal surgery also often results in sexual dysfunction; approximately half of the women reported sexual dysfunction and the percentage of dysfunction in preoperatively potent men varied from 5% to 88%. 10 Predictors for sexual dysfunction following colorectal surgery include preoperative radiotherapy, a stoma, complications during or after surgery and a higher age.…”

Psychosexual therapy and education in patients treated for cancer of the head and neck

“…Using scores from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Head and Neck 35 (EORTC QLQ-H&N35), and the University of Washington QoL version 4, Low et al 19 measured issues of intimacy and sexual dysfunction after treatment for head and neck cancer. They reported that one-third of patients had substantial problems with intimacy and enjoyment of sex, of which 36% were under the age of 55.…”