Sexual quality of life in men and women after cancer

More than 60% of people treated for cancer have long-term sexual dysfunction. However, fewer than 25% of those with sexual problems get help from a health professional. Although cancer-related sexual problems usually begin with physiological damage from cancer treatment, a patient's coping skills and the quality of the sexual relationship are crucial in sexual rehabilitation. Barriers to care for people treated for cancer include a lack of discussion with the oncology team. In repeated surveys, fewer than half of patients recall discussing sex or fertility with their care providers, even during informed consent. Practice guidelines on sexuality and cancer were published in 2017 by the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Both agree the following: The oncology team should initiate discussions of sexuality and cancer during treatment planning and at follow-up visits. Psychosocial and medical assessment should take place when a concern or problem is identified. Referrals should be offered for multidisciplinary treatment, since sexual problems frequently have both psychosocial and physiological causes.This article describes a system of care that can meet the guidelines while providing sustainable revenue.