Lovehoney Group’s Post

Today, on International Women's Day, we shine a light on the often-overlooked aspect of cancer treatment: sexual side effects. Cancer treatments can bring about physical and emotional changes that impact every aspect of life, including intimacy and sexuality. It's important to acknowledge these challenges and seek support. 💪💕 #InternationalWomensDay #CancerAwareness #SexualHealth #SupportAndEmpowerment https://lnkd.in/dhrB9C6k

For many women with #breastcancer, struggles with sexual issues become a hidden burden and because most patients don't feel comfortable talking over these issues with a doctor, many turn to online patient-support forums for advice. A recent study reported that nearly 75% of breast cancer patients admitted to some form of sexual dysfunction, most often vaginal dryness or pain upon penetration. However, instead of conferring with a physician for advice, women with breast cancer are conversing amongst themselves. In the study, 70% of the 501 breast cancer survivors indicated that they had remained sexually active at the time they completed the survey. Approximately two-thirds identified as heterosexual, and about two-thirds were partnered. Forty-seven percent remarked that they were very or extremely satisfied with their sex lives prior to cancer treatment, but 44 percent also indicated that they had experienced a significant worsening of their sex life, post-diagnosis. Vaginal dryness and/or pain upon penetration were the most common issues cited, and 57% of respondents said they'd never discussed the sexual side effects of cancer treatment with a physician. Instead, many (35%) spoke with peers or searched independently for answers. Common solutions to pain reduction, included using coconut oil as a lubricant during sex or simply trying other positions. https://lnkd.in/eZ4NJFBw #CancerResearch

"...less than half of respondents took a sexual history, but 80% felt there was insufficient time to explore sexual issues." Full stop 🛑 Cancer care can not only address the tumor. Cancer care must prioritize the person living with cancer. We must make time to prioritize addressing some of patients most pressing questions about their cancer care: how will treatment impact my sexual health, my relationship(s), my quality of life, and what can I do to best support my sexual health? Decreased sexual function is a known side effect of many types of cancer and cancer treatments, including uterine, cervical, ovarian, and breast cancer, that often goes unaddressed. Patients need access to specialized services, such as sex therapy, couples counseling, pelvic rehabilitation, menopausal experts, as well as digital health tools that can help support sexual health and quality of life throughout life with a cancer diagnosis. Applauding Don S. Dizon, Naaman Mehta for leading the way to raise awareness about critical patient unmet needs and advocating for solutions to bridge the gaps to improve cancer care and life with a cancer diagnosis. https://lnkd.in/epap9xYw #Cancer #SexualHealth #CancerX #DigitalHealth American Cancer Society CancerX Moonshot Jennifer Goldsack Kamal Jethwani Erika Hanson Brown Terri Conneran Jill Feldman American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Allison Rosen, MS Heidi Floyd

Let’s talk about sex - but how? 👉 Discussing sexual health in the context of cancer care is crucial, and we were excited to see this conversation take stage at the Oncology Days 2024 in Malmö! 💡In a recent study, our research group found that approximately half of young women and one third of young men with cancer did not receive information about the cancer treatment’s possible impact on sex life. This underscores why it's important to educate nurses on how to have these conversations. Cecilia Olsson, associate professor in nursing at Karlstads universitet, presented the BETTER-model - a framework designed to address these issues, and Charlotta Bergström, registered nurse and Ph.D. student within the Fex-Can project, moderated the session. The engagement from the audience reaffirms our belief that healthcare professionals are eager to enhance the quality of care provided to cancer survivors, especially concerning their sexual well-being. Let's continue these important conversations! 👏 #onkologidagarna #oncology #canserresearch #cancercare

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and treated, sexual satisfaction can easily fall to the back burner when it comes to conversations with doctors. After all, when cancer is in the picture, ‘survival mode’ and health concerns may preclude sex as a priority or recommendation. However, once the dust settles after treatment and life goes back to a new normal, many women see dramatic changes in their sex lives. Though they may feel grateful to be alive, it doesn’t undermine the effect that sexual dysfunction may have on their relationships and the way they feel about themselves. A survey by the Macmillan Cancer Support has revealed that one in two breast cancer survivors under the age of 55 reports that her sex life has suffered as a result of having the disease and treatment. Out of the 532 surveyed women who have had breast cancer surgery, most reported having a decreased sex drive; nearly half reported that they felt more self-conscious of their bodies, and one in six reported that sex had become physically too painful following chemotherapy or surgery. Fortunately, there are sexual dysfunction interventions that are safe for breast cancer survivors. However, many breast cancer survivors do not discuss sexual dysfunction with their doctors because they feel uncomfortable; some even feel guilty complaining about sex, thinking it may sound trivial in comparison to what they just went through. Perhaps if we work to increase awareness around breast cancer and sexual dysfunction, conversation around this issue will be normalized and women will feel more comfortable discussing their sex lives post-cancer; both with their doctors as well as the people close to them. Having breast cancer can throw a monkey wrench into a woman’s sex life. Let’s discuss, so that our friends and family will know there are tools that can repair it.

For Pride Month, I'm advocating for equity in cancer care! 🌈 In my latest commentary, I'm calling for a paradigm shift that prioritizes the sexual rehabilitation of cancer patients, especially gay and bisexual men, whose sexual health needs are often overlooked. Read my commentary in JAMA Oncology and join the conversation on making cancer care more inclusive and equitable for all. #Pride2024 #CancerCare #HealthEquity #LGBTQHealth https://lnkd.in/eCtzfSNR

#SexAndCancer #Survivorship is not just about overcoming cancer; it is a journey through the consequences of #CancerTreatments, either physical or emotional. When choosing treatments, be aware that some are permanent and would affect #QualityOfLife. Let's learn to have #PlainConversation with our patients and offer #support now and in the future. Let's talk about #SexAndCancer, such a hidden but tremendously important issue. #SimultaneousPalliativeCare #SupportiveCare

Since decreased sexual function is a side effect of many types of cancer, notably uterine, cervical, ovarian, and #breastcancer, many women with #cancer want advice for managing sexual function issues. In a recent study, 86% said that sexuality and intimacy were very or somewhat important, and 78% said that the healthcare team addressing the issue was also very or somewhat important. However, only 40% of the respondents said that they wanted to discuss sexuality at the time of diagnosis because the idea was too overwhelming. Consequently, while oncologists are more aware of sexual side effects and the potential for sexual issues that persist long after treatment, many patients may not have opportunities to talk about their sexual concerns. The study also reported that female providers were significantly more likely to discuss sexual health with patients, compared with male providers; the results suggest a need for more ways to integrate sexual health screening into gynecologic oncologic clinics. https://lnkd.in/eb334qyd #CancerResearch

𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐬 🌟 It is important to recognize the profound impact prostate cancer can have on sexual health - not just for patients, but for their partners as well. A recent study reviewed by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) highlights the experiences and challenges faced by female partners of prostate cancer survivors, providing valuable insights into their sexual health needs. Many women reported significant changes in their sexual relationships due to their partner's prostate cancer, including difficulties with penetration and pain during intercourse. One participant shared, "It has never been the same again. No matter what he’s done, he’s been unable, unless he’s using the [vacuum] pump, to get a full erection." The study highlighted the importance of communication and mutual support in coping with sexual dysfunction. "Prostate cancer is not just a guy's disease, it's a couple's disease," said one participant, emphasizing the need for both partners to navigate these changes together. Female partners often found themselves taking a more active role in initiating sexual activity and adapting to their partner's new sexual health realities. Despite these efforts, many couples experienced difficulties maintaining intimacy and satisfaction. Discussing sexual dysfunction within the relationship proved challenging for many women. One participant expressed, "I don't want to pressure him, but I want him to know that I have a need that's not being met." A significant complaint was the lack of sexual health counseling from healthcare providers. "The oncologist didn't give it, the urologist didn't give it, nobody gave us any of that information," lamented one woman, underscoring the need for better medical guidance and support. At Blue Cell Therapeutics, we are dedicated to supporting the sexual health of all individuals affected by prostate cancer. This study underscores the necessity of including partners in treatment discussions and providing comprehensive sexual health education and support, as well as the importance of finding a curative treatment for post prostatectomy erectile dysfunction patients. You can read more about in the following article: https://rb.gy/a78p80 #ProstateCancer #SexualHealth #Support #BlueCellTherapeutics #PatientCare #PartnerSupport #HealthcareAwareness #ISSMResearch

Let's Talk About Sex: How Can Doctors Approach the Challenging Conversation of Cancer Survivorship and Sexual Wellness?