The Taboo of Sexuality and Cancer: Helping Clinicians Address It
Thursday, 20 September 2007 - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
presented by Mary Hughes MS, RN, CNS, CT

Workshop Objectives:

1. List 4 causes of sexual dysfunction in patients with cancer.

2. Describe 3 interventions for sexual dysfunction in people with cancer.

3. Conduct a brief sexual assessment for a cancer survivor.

Workshop Description:

Sexuality is a quality of life issue not often addressed by the clinician, but sexual dysfunction is a common and long-lasting side effect of cancer treatments. Addressing sexual dysfunction during the cancer trajectory can help the patient with these issues. This workshop will raise the clinician’s awareness of the importance of sexuality to patients with cancer. It will also describe causes of sexual dysfunction and techniques for sexual counseling. Treatment options for sexual dysfunction will be discussed taking into consideration the patient’s co-morbid cancer diagnosis. Participants will learn to conduct a brief sexual assessment by using case studies.