The importance of sexuality in the treatment of cancer

Sexuality is an often neglected but important topic in the treatment of cancer.

Health professionals need to learn how to approach cancer survivors in relation to sexuality issues and treatments for sexual dysfunctions related to cancer treatment. It is important to include problem solving for gay and lesbian survivors.

Health professionals and even patients do not feel comfortable talking about such a delicate problem. You need to learn how these conversations can be started properly. Good communication skills are crucial and listening to patients and being open to the topic is critical.

Many practitioners find it difficult to get patients to understand their own problems, recognize them as problems, and discuss them frankly.

Patients also need support to know how, where and when to call for help.

Models such as BETTER Model are available to handle sexuality issues and help health professionals evaluate sexuality in the treatment of cancer patients.

Also used is the PLISSIT Model on Sexual Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Survivors, used along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy to teach coping and problem solving skills to women with breast cancer and their husbands, encouraging their participation in group programs to express their feelings and attitudes and thus help improve the quality of sexual life.

Recognizing the problem and its importance will lead to greater awareness among medical communities, as well as among cancer patients and survivors.

There is much to be done to deal with these issues of sexuality, but starting the conversation is certainly a step in the right direction.

Leoni Margarida Simm, 63, is a sociologist and Volunteer President of AMUCC