A review on the relation of the sexuality of patients suffering from different type of cancers

Abstract

Cancer, being a life-limiting illness affects many domains of health including sexual health. The negative outcomes related to sexual health living with cancer and after getting cancer treatment pose serious physical and emotional suffering amongst the survivors. Some of the most common outcomes are having less pleasure, decreased libido, inability to achieve orgasm and loss of sensation in the genital area. The younger generation, which includes adolescents and young adults, is the most vulnerable. Cancer affects the sexuality of both men and women based on the type of cancer. For example, a woman with breast cancer might not feel attracted and sexually withdrawn from her partner. Similarly, a man with lung cancer might not have the ability to have successful intercourse because of getting fatigued easily. To address the sexual health concerns and problems amongst cancer patients, their concerns must be deeply evaluated including those related to their sexual life.