Sexuality & Cancer

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer consistently indicate the need for better communication from their oncology providers on matters concerning sexual health. Despite misconceptions that the topic may embarrass them or fall on deaf ears, surveys show that AYAs actually want to talk to their providers about topics such as dating, safe sex practices during treatment, contraception, body image, sexuality, fertility, and psychosexual adjustment. Read More ›

The primary reason that nurses cite for not approaching the topic of sexual health with their patients is lack of knowledge. At the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) 44th Annual Congress, Lisa Chism, DNP, APRN, NCMP, FAANP, Clinical Director, Women’s Wellness Clinic, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, set out to change that by arming oncology nurses with enough knowledge to broach the subject confidently with their female patients. Read More ›