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Abstract
In all areas of their tri-specialty, NSWOCs care for patients diagnosed and treated for cancer. For cancer patients, the potential loss of sexual health and intimacy after cancer treatment can impose a profound burden that is often magnified by the lack of discussion about this problem. Embarrassment, lack of knowledge, and uncertainty among NSWOCs can hinder discussions about sexual health. Patients similarly struggle with the same issues and often wait until the topic is raised by the professionals before discussing sexual concerns.
The goal of this presentation is to help NSWOCs overcome their own discomfort when discussing sexual health concerns, to break down the silence that causes our patients' distress and to gain knowledge about common sexual health concerns for men and women with cancer. A model to help guide assessment and interventions for sexual health issues after cancer treatment will be discussed.
References
Almeida, N.G., Britto, D.F., Figueiredo, J.V., Moreira, T.M.M., Carvalhov, R.E.F.L., Fialho, A.V.M. PLISSIT model: sexual counseling for breast cancer survivors. Rev Bras Enferm. 2019;72(4):1109-13. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0034-7167-2018-0525.
Canadian Cancer Foundation. (n.d.) Sex, Intimacy and Cancer. https://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/CW/publications/Sex%20intimacy%20and%20cancer/32061-1-NO.pdf
Maree, J. & Fitch, M.I. (2019). Holding Conversations with Cancer Patients about Sexuality: Perspectives from Canadian and African health care professionals. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal. 29:1. Winter 2019. P. 64-76.
Robbs, L. (2021). Addressing sexual health pre-and post-cancer treatment: Suggestions for NSWOCs. NSWOC Advance. Sept 2021. (32):2, pp 22-28. https://view.flipdocs.com/?PID=1000942