A recent study published in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer suggest that yes, they do – so things are improving from just a few years ago when most weren’t. But let me tell you more..
In this study, oncologists and nurses working with women with gynecologic cancer were asked whether they talked to their patients about sexuality. About half of these patients experience sexual problems after treatment so this is an important issue. The study found that the majority of the health care providers talked to their patients about sexuality ONCE and half of the health care providers reported that they offer suggestions to their patients about resolving any problems they may be having. But patients were RARELY referred to a sexual health specialist.
These are concerning results, despite an improvement communication. When did these conversations occur? What about the timing? Conversations about sexuality need to happen at EVERY visit as things change for our patients – and as cancer survivors move past active treatment they often resume sexual activity so not asking repeatedly means missing opportunities to help. And referrals to a qualified sexuality counselor or therapist are vital – not only because ‘time’ is often cited by health care providers as a barrier to having a conversation about sexuality – but also because these professionals are experts in sexuality, something that oncologists and oncology nurses are not.
Supportive Care in Cancer
March 2015, Volume 23, Issue 3, pp 831-839
Psychosexual support for gynecological cancer survivors: professionals’ current practices and need for assistance
Willemijn M. Vermeer, Rinske M. Bakker, Anne M. Stiggelbout, Carien L. Creutzberg, Gemma G. Kenter, Moniek M. ter Kuile