Sexual quality of life in breast and ovarian cancer survivors: tip of the iceberg!

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2018 Source:Journal of Cancer Policy Author(s): Jyoti Bajpai, T.S. Shylasree Sexual quality of life is an important aspect of sexuality; is a complex and personal domain of every individual’s life and it can be further complexed for a woman after diagnosis of breast or pelvic cancer especially gynecological cancer. Coping with the disease or treatment related sexual changes often are extremely difficult to adjust. Despite the successful treatment, these serious physical and emotional down sides continue to affect and remind them about their disease for life time. Concerns regarding sexuality, intimacy, and premature menopause adversely affect the quality of life of women after the diagnosis and management of cancer. Majority of the times these problems are inadequately addressed in the pretreatment period and sudden exposure to an acute issue adds to the traumatic experience. In reality, a successful treatment requires the health care personnel’s will, wish and ability to identify and treat the problem and equally important is the perception and active communication of the patients about their agony. Systemic hormone therapy is effective in symptom control, however, it may not be appropriate for all patients due to their hormone mediated actions on various organs. There are non-hormonal treatment options including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antiepileptics, natural therapies, and exercise. There is increasing...
Source: Journal of Cancer Policy - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research