Sexuality and Cancer: Conversation Comfort Zone

Penson, Richard T.; Gallagher, Joan; Gioiella, Marie Elena; Wallace, Marsha; Borden, Karen; Duska, Linda; Talcott, James A.; McGovern, Francis; Appleman, Leonard Joseph; Chabner, Bruce A.; Lynch, Thomas J.

doi:10.1634/theoncologist.5-4-336

Cited by 52 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Sexual health is not emphasized in medical training curricula, 19 but our results indicate that additional training is needed to prepare internists to facilitate conversations about sex. These conversations can help normalize concerns for patients, debunk myths, provide a basis for brief counseling, or serve as an entree for a referral.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 76%

General Internist Communication about Sexual Function with Cancer Survivors

et al. 2009

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 76%

General Internist Communication about Sexual Function with Cancer Survivors

et al. 2009

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“…The PLISSIT Model (15) has been widely used as a model for the provision of staff training and sexuality rehabiliation interventions within a variety of clinical settings and across a wide array of disciplines (19)(20)(21)(22)(23) including spinal cord (3)(4)(5)24,25). Rather than defining what content should be included in sexuality training or provided to clients within sexuality rehabilitation, the PLISSIT model provides a process framework that allows for different degrees of involvement based on the staff member's comfort level, knowledge base and counseling skills.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effectiveness of a Sexuality Training Program for the Interdisciplinary Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Team

et al. 2005

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While there is evidence to support consideration of client sexuality needs in the provision of rehabilitation services to people with spinal cord injury (SCI), the interdisciplinary team rarely receives training in this area. The current study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a consumer-driven sexuality training program in improving staff knowledge, comfort (general and personal) and attitudes. Using a local needs assessment to identify training needs and the Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions and Intensive Therapy (PLISSIT) model as a training framework, a sexuality training program was developed in one Australian SCI service. A randomized controlled trial was conducted and significant improvement was found in all domains for the treatment group -Knowledge(χ 2 = 46.141, p < 0.001), Comfort (χ 2 = 23.338, p < 0.001), Approach(χ 2 = 23.925, p < 0.001) and Attitude (χ 2 = 15.235, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Changes were found to be maintained at three month follow-up -Knowledge (Z = −5.116, p < 0.001), Comfort (Z = −3.953, p < 0.001), Approach (Z = −4.103, p < 0.001) and Attitudes (Z = −2.655, p < 0.001). These results support the use of an individualized needs-based sexuality training program in fostering staff knowledge, comfort and attitudinal change in an interdisciplinary SCI rehabilitation service.

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“…As many as 90% of cancer survivors report that their oncologist infrequently addresses sexual health concerns [20]. For providers, lack of appropriate training is one of the most significant barriers preventing them from discussing sexual concerns with their patients [16, 21–23] along with embarrassment, time pressure, unfamiliarity with treatment options, and prioritizing other physical symptoms [15, 24–26]. Relying on patients to raise sexual concerns, however, is an ineffective strategy because patients often do not ask for help, even if they report interest in receiving care [27].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

et al. 2016

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Purpose Cancer survivors’ needs around sexual concerns are often unmet. The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases for peer-reviewed quantitative research papers (2000–2015) in cancer samples. Search terms across three linked categories were used (sexuality; communication; cancer). The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Sexual Function Guidelines were used as a framework to categorize communication reported in each study. Results Twenty-nine studies from 10 countries (29% in USA) were included. Studies assessed patients only (21), providers only (4), and both (4). Communication measures differed across studies and many lacked validity data. When reported by patients or providers, the average prevalence of discussing potential treatment effects on sexual function was 50% (60% for men; 28% for women) and 88%, respectively. As reported by patients or providers, respectively, assessing patients’ sexual concerns (10% and 21%), and offering treatments (22% and 17%) were measured in fewer studies and were reported less frequently. Both patients and providers (28% and 32%, respectively) reported a low prevalence of other non-specific communication. Greater prevalence of communication was associated with male patient gender and more years of provider experience. Conclusions Sexual issues go unaddressed for many cancer survivors, particularly women. Both patient and provider interventions are needed. Implications for Cancer Survivors Enhancing patient-provider communication about sexual concerns through evidence-based interventions could improve patient sexual function and quality of life.

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Sexuality and Cancer: Conversation Comfort Zone

Cited by 52 publications

References 15 publications

General Internist Communication about Sexual Function with Cancer Survivors

General Internist Communication about Sexual Function with Cancer Survivors

The Effectiveness of a Sexuality Training Program for the Interdisciplinary Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Team

Patient-provider communication about sexual concerns in cancer: a systematic review

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