Sexual Health Issues in Cancer Survivors

Sandy J Falk; Don S Dizon

doi:10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150981

Sexual Health Issues in Cancer Survivors

Semin Oncol Nurs. 2020 Feb;36(1):150981. doi: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150981. Epub 2020 Jan 24.

Authors

Sandy J Falk¹, Don S Dizon²

Affiliations

¹ Sexual Health Program, Adult Survivorship Program, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Electronic address: sfalk@partners.org.
² The Oncology Sexual Health First Responders Clinic, Lifespan Cancer Institute, Providence, RI; Department of Medical Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI.

PMID: 31983486
DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2019.150981

Abstract

Objective: To review the sexual health issues cancer survivors may experience, including incidence, association with treatment modalities, and approach to evaluation and treatment.

Data sources: Peer-reviewed journal articles, medical society or government Web sites.

Conclusion: Cancer diagnosis and treatment often impacts sexual function and addressing this is a key component of health-related quality of life.

Implications for nursing practice: Screening, evaluation, and treatment of sexual dysfunction should be incorporated into routine oncologic care.

Keywords: Cancer survivors; Dyspareunia; Erectile dysfunction; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual health; Sexual interest.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cancer Survivors / psychology*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms / complications*
Neoplasms / epidemiology
Quality of Life / psychology*
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / epidemiology
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / etiology*
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / psychology*
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / therapy*
Sexual Health*
United States / epidemiology