Sexuality and Patients with Cancer – Is It Not Time to Talk About It?

How is your sex life? Patients with cancer actually expect their oncologists to ask about their sex lives and offer advice or warnings. Yet usually neither patients nor doctors bring up the subject. Because sexuality is seen as taboo, people generally hesitate to discuss it. Sexuality, a natural part of life, also has an important place in the lives of patients with cancer.

Only One in 3 Patients with Breast Cancer Talks About Their Sex Life

Held in the United States, the 2017 Palliative Care in Oncology Symposiumaddressed the importance of sexuality and patients with cancer. It found that fewer than half of patients with cancer in the United States (%45) discussed sexuality with healthcare professionals; this proportion is most likely much lower in our country.

By cancer type, %21 of patients with lung cancer, %33 with breast cancer, %41 with colorectal cancer and %80 with prostate cancer had discussed the subject. Overall, men talked about it more than women.

Is Sexuality Only Sexual Intercourse?

According to experts, if nausea, constipation and similar topics were not addressed, this could be considered neglect. Discussions of quality of life are also considered insufficient, yet sexuality is one of the topics that should be covered. It includes not only intercourse but also closeness, touch and hugging. It is a multifaceted shared experience involving physiology, behavior, emotion, cognition and identity.

Questions About Sexuality Can Be Answered at Any Cancer Stage

Whether the illness is mild or severe, attitudes toward sexuality should become more relaxed, remembering that it is a natural human experience throughout life. Including sexuality in treatment may provide comfort, relieve pain, improve emotions and consequently improve quality of life during illness. Coping with difficulties is thought to become somewhat harder when sexuality is excluded from treatment and care.

Are There Studies on Improving Sex Life in Patients with Cancer?

One study seeking to improve sex life in women with cancer and assess results addressed sexual health, vaginal health and desire. Following exercises focused on physical and emotional relaxation and prioritizing sex life, %97 of women reported benefit. Information supporting sexual function was reported to produce a marked improvement in women’s sex lives by month 2. This pilot study also observed improved mental focus, depression and anxiety disorders, along with reduced psychological distress.

Other studies aimed at improving sexual dysfunction in people with cancer reported improvements in anxiety disorders, depression, sexual function, mood and overall quality of life .

Reasons oncologists actively avoid discussing the subject include colleagues’ reactions, fear of lawsuits and possible misinterpretation. They may therefore choose not to raise it or communicate with patients about sexuality. Open communication is now necessary. Offering warnings or advice about patients’ sexuality is among doctors’ responsibilities, and patients should be able to ask without hesitation.

Related Topic:

• 5 things a patient with cancer and their partner should know about sexuality