Some interesting statisitcs emerged from the recent Cancer Survivorship and Sexual Health conference I attended in Washington DC. For example the number of cancer survivors will double by 2060, 1 in 3 adults have cancer , 65% of survivors are over the age of 60 years and treatment impacts sex organs in 64 % of all cancer survivors.
Prostate, Breast, Colorectal and Pelvic cancers are the most common and they all have acute, long term and persistent long term effects on people's sexual functioning and satisfaction. Yet this aspect of survivorship is seldom discussed - why, you may wonder. Especially if you are reading my blog, you may be a person who is already aware of sexual health as a human right, as an important aspect of someone's quality of life.
Turns out that oncologists, radiologists and cancer care professionals are not trained in sexual health and personally uncomfortable discussing sexuality within the context of cancer survivorship. The old adage"be grateful you are alive" seems to dominate over "you have a right to discuss penile rehabiliation post prostatectomy".
On my return I called an excellent private Cancer Care practice and invited myself to a meeting to discuss training their staff, starting with nurse practitioners since they spend so much more time with patients and are thus well placed to have this delicate discussion.
I will be blogging more about cancer survivorship and sexual health. I have ordered some great products designed to improve vaginal health post treatment and will let you know once they arrive. I urge you to discuss sexual health with your health care provider. Meantime buy some silicone lubricant which will ease the ast of penetration and make masturbation and mututal masturbation more comfortabel and enjoyable. (http://www.dreve.co.za/shop/lubes-moisturizers-and-condoms/pjur.html)
Show/Hide comment form
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
