Embodying sexual subjectivity after cancer: A qualitative study of people with cancer and intimate partners

Gilbert, Emilee; Ussher, Jane M.; Perz, Janette

doi:10.1080/08870446.2012.737466

Cited by 95 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…It has previously been reported that women do not consider changes in sexual desire in their male partner with prostate cancer a major concern, as their primary focus is survival of their husband [126]. However, qualitative reports in the present study suggested that sexual changes were problematic for many women partners, as was also the case for male partners [111,112,129]. This suggests that the sexual concerns of partners, as well as those of people with cancer, should be part of the agenda of health professionals working in cancer care [82,83].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 50%

Feeling well and talking about sex: psycho-social predictors of sexual functioning after cancer

2014

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BackgroundChanges to sexual wellbeing are acknowledged to be a long-term negative consequence of cancer and cancer treatment. These changes can have a negative effect on psychological well-being, quality of life and couple relationships. Whilst previous conclusions are based on univariate analysis, multivariate research can facilitate examination of the complex interaction between sexual function and psycho-social variables such as psychological wellbeing, quality of life, and relationship satisfaction and communication in the context of cancer, the aim of the present study.MethodSix hundred and fifty seven people with cancer (535 women, 122 men) and 148 partners (87 women, 61 men), across a range of sexual and non-sexual cancers, completed a survey consisting of standardized measures of sexual functioning, depression and anxiety, quality of life, relationship satisfaction, dyadic sexual communication, and self-silencing, as well as ratings of the importance of sex to life and relationships.ResultsMen and women participants, reported reductions in sexual functioning after cancer across cancer type, for both people with cancer and partners. Multiple regression analysis examined psycho-social predictors of sexual functioning. Physical quality of life was a predictor for men and women with cancer, and for male partners. Dyadic sexual communication was a predictor for women with cancer, and for men and women partners. Mental quality of life and depression were also predictors for women with cancer, and the lower self-sacrifice subscale of self-silencing a predictor for men with cancer.ConclusionThese results suggest that information and supportive interventions developed to alleviate sexual difficulties and facilitate sexual renegotiation should be offered to men and women with both sexual and non-sexual cancers, rather than primarily focused on individuals with sexual and reproductive cancers, as is the case currently. It is also important to include partners in supportive interventions. Interventions aimed at improving sexual functioning should include elements aimed at improving physical quality of life and sexual communication, with a focus on psychological wellbeing also being important for women with cancer.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 50%

Feeling well and talking about sex: psycho-social predictors of sexual functioning after cancer

2014

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“…These mutual barriers often result in an unfortunate stalemate in the consulting room, leading to unmet patient needs. Over and beyond the unmet need for communication about sexual health after cancer, survivors also perceive a loss of self-efficacy and confidence regarding how to address their sexual dysfunction [16]. When clinicians and patients do not communicate about sexual health after cancer, these perceptions may be reinforced and patients may wrongly conclude that little or nothing can be done to manage the sexual side effects of cancer and cancer treatments.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

How to ask and what to do

Bober

Reese

Barbera

et al. 2016

Current Opinion in Supportive &Amp; Palliative Care

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Purpose of review As the number of female cancer survivors continues to grow, there is a growing need to bridge the gap between the high rate of women's cancer-related sexual dysfunction and the lack of attention and intervention available to the majority of survivors who suffer from sexual problems. Previously identified barriers that hinder communication for providers include limited time, lack of preparation, and a lack of patient resources and access to appropriate referral sources. Recent findings This paper brings together a recently developed model for approaching clinical inquiry about sexual health with a brief problem checklist that has been adapted for use for female cancer survivors, as well as practical evidence-based strategies on how to address concerns identified on the checklist. Examples of patient education sheets are provided, as well as strategies for building a referral network. Summary By providing access to a concise and efficient tool for clinical inquiry, as well as targeted material resources and practical health-promoting strategies based on recent evidence-based findings, we hope to begin eliminating the barriers that hamper oncology providers from addressing the topic of sexual/vaginal health after cancer.

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“…Posttraumatic psychological factors also likely contribute to sexual dysfunction. Research on sexual activity in patients with other medical conditions such as cancer 18 and pelvic floor disruption 19,20 cite stress, anxiety, and depression as major contributors to sexual dysfunction. Similarly, the psychological and (Table 3).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%