Balasubramanian Srilatha
Singapore Cancer Society, Singapore
Title: Meeting sexual health requirements in the cancer journey
Biography
Biography: Balasubramanian Srilatha
Abstract
The diagnosis and clinical course of cancers have immediate as well as lasting impacts on the quality of relationship, intimacy, sexuality and overall life of patients and their partners. In spite of its rising awareness as an integral part of holistic health, sexual concerns in this isolated group are often neglected and underserved within the clinical care provision. Studies indicate that the sexual readjustment or rehabilitation is a major challenge for a collective prevalence of sexual disorders in about 30%–90% of this subpopulation. Clinically, a significant number of these patients may present with declines in the important domains of their sexual response cycle. In a vast majority, the issues can be further aggravated by negative psycho-emotional attitudes including stigma, low self-esteem and altered body image perceptions. Together with oncological advances in early detection and treatment, there is significant improvement in the long-term survival and post-treatment life expectancy of cancer patients. It is therefore imperative for the healthcare professionals to identify interventional measures that will succeed in recovering the sexual quality of life for their patients as well as partners. Identified modalities should incorporate a systematic assessment, intervention and follow-up for the sexual problems, psychosexual counseling and couple therapy and appropriate referral (if necessary), for a meaningful and lasting improvement on the overall symptoms and quality life care of their cancer patients and partners.