Sexuality and cancer. Breaking the silence

Family physicians can be instrumental in helping their patients adjust to changes in sexuality subsequent to treatment for cancer, only if they break the silence surrounding sexuality. Cancer, like other illnesses, can interfere with intimate relationships. Many patients want to discuss changes in their sexuality with their family physician. However, few will raise the issue themselves but wait for their physician to broach the subject. This article summarises the P-LI-SS-IT Model which provides practical guidance on assessing the sexual concerns of cancer patients and on developing helpful interventions.