Cancer treatment affects sexual activity - Shorts - Brief Article

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  June, 2002  by Jule Klotter

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In an article for Breast Cancer Action's newsletter, Lauren John points out that breast cancer patients are rarely counseled about the effect that surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can have on their enjoyment of sex. Part of the problem lies in the lack of information about safe ways to deal with chemo-induced menopause. Although older women are often advised to take estrogen therapy to relieve vaginal dryness, the link between estrogen and breast cancer has made doctors reluctant to prescribe hormone therapy for breast cancer survivors with the same problem. The number of young women who have been thrown into menopause early by chemotherapy has pushed some physicians into suggesting that they use estrogen-based topical creams, but no research supports this recommendation. Herbal remedies may be another option, but, like hormone therapy, no studies have been done on their effectiveness or safety for women with chemo-induced menopause. More research is needed.

Lauren John suggests that patients seek out a sex therapist, gynecologist, or endocrinologist who is knowledgeable about breast cancer. She also hopes that cancer centers will become more active by offering women health information packets with articles, medical referrals, and even vaginal lubricant samples. One small study by M. C. Wilmoth [Cancer Nursing, August 24, 2001: pp.278-86] found that "women who sought information about the sexual side effects of cancer treatment and who had strong intimate relationships appeared to experience a more successful adjustment."

John, Lauren. Sex After Breast Cancer -- Can We Talk? Breast Cancer Action Newsletter 2002 January/February; 69: 1.

COPYRIGHT 2002 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group