Psychosexual problems after cancer: An example of breast cancer

Sexual life after cancer depends on the type of cancer, the treatments used and the importance given to sexuality by the patient and his or her partner. Some types of cancers which can cause particular problems include facial or genital cancers, colon cancers, or prostate, rectum or bladder cancer. Furthermore, some treatments, particularly chemotherapy, create physical discomfort :and fatigue which can hinder resumption of sexual life. Preconceptions associated with cancer also make sexual life difficult. In the case of breast cancer, such preconceptions are aggravated by the additional erotic function of the breast in society. The psychological therapies following mastectomy, such as psychopharmacology, psychotherapy of depression, plastic surgery for psychological purposes, can be accompanied by therapy for the couple and sexual education. (C) 2002 Prous Science. All rights reserved.