Sexual health as a survivorship issue for female cancer survivors

Abstract

As more and more people are successfully treated for and live longer with cancer, greater attention is being directed toward the survivorship needs of this population. Women treated for cancer often experience issues related to sexual health and intimacy, which are frequently cited as areas of concern, even among long-term survivors. Unfortunately, data suggest that providers infrequently discuss these issues. We reviewed a contemporary understanding of sexual health of women and the impact of treatment on both sexual function and intimacy. We also provide a review of the diagnosis using the newest classification put forth by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, and potential treatments, including both endocrine and nonendocrine treatments that the general oncologist may be asked about when discussing sexual health with his or her patients.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer survivor; Gynecologic cancer; Quality of life; Sexual health.

Figure 1.

Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy (PLISSIT) model for sexual conversations. Open-ended questions that can be used to begin discussions at each step are included, followed by closed-ended questions that may help during the conversation [49].