The sexual rehabilitation of persons with cancer

OBJECTIVES: This article presents cognitive and behavioral sexual rehabilitation interventions to assist persons with cancer in understanding and adjusting to the physical changes caused by cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventions described here include educating patients about the phases of sexual functioning and the impact of treatment, giving patients permission to explore their ability to respond to sexual stimulation by using self-pleasuring exercises, teaching sensate focus exercises that structure noncoital foreplay; and suggesting changes in coital positions. RESULTS: Sexual functioning is an important aspect of quality of life for people with cancer that continues to be difficult for oncology professionals to address. Familiarity with these interventions can prepare the properly trained oncology social workers, nurses! and other mental health professionals to assist cancer patients with their concerns about sexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS: All oncology professionals should be aware of the importance of recognizing and addressing issues of sexual functioning in patients with cancer to validate the patient's experience and make the proper referral to a trained ses therapist.