Sexual Oncology: Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer

Vol. 71, No. 1-2, 2006

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Sexual Oncology: Sexual Health Issues in Women with Cancer
Michael L. Krychman^a, Leanne Pereira^c, Jeanne Carter^{a, b}, Alison Amsterdam^a

^aGynecology Service, Department of Surgery, and
^bDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, N.Y.,
^cRensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y., and Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Oncology 2006;71:18-25 (DOI: 10.1159/000100521)

Key Words

Sexual oncology
Sexual dysfunction
Sexual rehabilitation medicine

Abstract

Sexual problems are widespread among female cancer patients and survivors. Dysfunction may result from various oncologic therapies such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal manipulation, and cytostatic medication. Additionally, psychologic distress that the patient or her partner experiences during diagnosis and treatment of malignancy can impair a healthy female sexual response cycle. A sexual rehabilitation program in an oncology setting is necessary to provide comprehensive care to the cancer patient and her partner. A multidisciplinary treatment approach to sexual dysfunction includes psychological and psychiatric intervention, medical intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, and recommended lifestyle adjustments. A holistic approach to assessing and treating sexual concerns should be individually tailored to the female patient in light of her disease stage and prognosis, age, marital status, fertility concerns, and social and professional environment.

Author Contacts

Michael L. Krychman, MD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue, MRI-1007
New York, NY 10021 (USA)
Tel. +1 212 639 7608, Fax +1 212 717 3214, E-Mail krychmam@mskcc.org

Article Information

Received: November 8, 2005
Accepted after revision: January 13, 2007
Published online: March 9, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 8
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 49

Medline Abstract (ID 17347586)

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