Sexuality After Cancer as an Unmet Need: Addressing Disparities, Achieving Equality

Abstract

One extremely important and often neglected aspect of cancer care is sexuality. Sexuality is inherently a human trait, and this does not cease to be true after a cancer diagnosis. Multiple domains comprise sexuality, and all are at risk from cancer and its treatment. Despite the importance of sexual health, it still represents an unmet need in the United States and internationally. The disparities in meeting the sexual health needs of women with cancer extend beyond issues related to genitourinary symptoms of menopause and sexual pleasure; we propose that it extends toward the needs of sexual and gender minorities. Therefore, we focus on the delivery of sexual health care for people with cancer with an emphasis on women, women in low- and middle- income countries, and marginalized sexual and gender minorities.

Investigating sexual health after breast cancer by longitudinal assessment of patient-reported outcomes

“… 35 , 36 , 37 In addition, a lack of available resources, funding, and reimbursement for sexual health professionals in cancer centers has been reported. 39 As a result, it is estimated that fewer than half of women with BC receive any communication on sexual health over their cancer care journey. 35 , 36 , 37 …”

Fear of cancer progression and the quality of sexual life of female cancer patients in Romania

“…Regardless its crucial importance for the individual, this topic is extremely rarely addressed by professionals. Moreover, due to its easily stigmatizable nature, for a considerable number of patients, talking about their sexual well-being is still considered taboo, and at some point may not be a priority for them or for the medical staff to do so ( 10 ). In Arden-Close et al ( 54 ) study, only 16% of patients said that they had discussed sexuality with their oncologist or caregivers.…”

“…In Arden-Close et al ( 54 ) study, only 16% of patients said that they had discussed sexuality with their oncologist or caregivers. Another reason for this could be the lack of knowledge/training of medical staff in this area ( 10 ). However, by not talking about it, sexual dysfunctions remain therefore underdiagnosed and undertreated ( 18 ).…”

“…The side effects of aggressive treatment strategies (surgery, chemo-, radio-, hormonal-therapy) can include problems such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, alopecia, weight gain, hair loss, pallor, early menopause, gynecological complaints, and sexual dysfunctioning (1,(5)(6)(7)(8). Loss/reduction of libido, pain during intercourse, vaginismus, body image disturbance, changes in sexual self-esteem, emotional instability, fear of lack of sexual attraction, changes in sexual self-determination or reproductive function, difficulty having orgasms, dissatisfaction with appearance (due to mastectomy for instance), changes in femininity and motherhood (4,(9)(10)(11) are frequently encountered.…”

Attitudes, Beliefs and Barriers Regarding Sexual Care in Oncology Nurses: Descriptive Research

“…8 Katz ve ark., radyoterapi alan kanser hastalarının %87'si cinsel işlev bozukluğu yaşadığını, sadece %28 oranında hasta kendileriyle bu sorunları hakkında konuşulduğunu belirtmiştir. 9 Albers ve ark., meme kanserli hastaların %80,4'ünün cinsel sağlık hakkında eğitim almadıklarını belirtmiştir. 10 Onkoloji hemşireleri, hastalara primer bakım veren kişiler olduğu için kanser hastalarının cinsel sağlıklarını değerlendirip, tanılamaktadır.…”