Psychological Aspects of Cancer by Brian I. Carr & JENNIFER STEEL

Author:Brian I. Carr & JENNIFER STEEL
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer US, Boston, MA

Partners

When an individual has cancer, not only are they affected, but in most cases there is a substantial impact on their family, friends, and social and work contacts. In relation to sexuality, if there is a partner then the partner will almost invariably be affected. The impact of cancer on a sexual partner is enormous. Seventy-six percent of partners with nonreproductive site cancers, and 84% of partners with reproductive site cancers had sexual problems [60] is the presence or absence of a partner may be a major issue for the patient, either before, during, or after their cancer treatment.

A Danish population study showed that the male partners of women with breast cancer had an increased risk of severe depression, which was even higher in those whose partners had died [61]. The high rate of sexual problems associated with prostate cancer leads to couples spousal communication levels dropping significantly [62], as it is easier to avoid the topic than cover emotionally painful ground. The partners of cancer sufferers who had hemopoetic stem cell transplantation suffered more depression and sexual problems than controls [63].

Infertility can be an outcome of cancer or its therapy. This adds another major loss to a couple who are already dealing with loss of health and a possibly altered vision of their future together. In many, parenthood is a natural and primeval drive, and the desire to found and care for a family is profound. When faced with the inability to bear children with ones partner directly or indirectly because of malignancy, the couple are more likely to suffer anxiety, stress, and sexual problems, especially the woman (Nelson 2008). Service providers should be sensitive to the fact sexual and reproductive concerns may be present, and should give the couple an opportunity to speak of their difficulties.

Treatment for sexual problems in relation to cancer should always offer the option of involving the partner. Not everyone wishes this, especially in the early stages of discussion where individuals are anxious as to the form of the consultation. In a psychosexual clinic it is a common fear of the patient that they may be made to have sex in the clinic setting. Alternatives to penetrative intercourse can be suggested, but some couples find they cannot contemplate such a radical change [64]. Simple suggestions like the use of books and modern media for ideas and information can be helpful and fun, but all of these suggestions need partner compliance. The deeper emotional issues will not be addressed in this way, but can provide some positive input into very disrupted sexual lives.

When couples are willingly involved, however, treatment outcomes can be very good. Post breast cancer it is the quality of the woman’s partnered relationship which predicts sexual outcomes [65].

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.