Sexuality and Reproductive Issues
Psychosocial and Palliative Care Program
Introduction
This patient summary on the sexual side effects from cancer and cancer
treatment is adapted from the summary written for health professionals by
cancer experts. This and other credible information about cancer treatment,
screening, prevention, supportive care, and ongoing clinical trials, is
available from the National Cancer Institute. Better treatment of many cancers
has resulted in more patients experiencing longer periods of disease-free
survival. In addition, the side effects associated with cancer and cancer
treatments have also become more prevalent.
This patient summary addresses the impact cancer and cancer treatment can have
on all aspects of an individual's sexuality, including sexual desire and
physical and psychological sexual dysfunction.