Talking about Cancer
This is not an easy topic to talk about it. And not just for the patient! Health care providers also find it difficult to talk about. But sexuality is an important part of quality of life and the majority of cancer patients go on to be cancer survivors � and they want things to be normal again. That is why this topic is important. Your health care provider should ask if you have any questions or concerns about sexuality and sexual functioning as you move through all phases of cancer treatment. It does not matter if you are male or female, single or partnered, young or old, gay or straight; as human beings we are also sexual beings.
If your health care provider does not ask if you have any questions or concerns, it is important that you ask to talk to someone about this. Many of your questions are probably quite easy to answer and most health care providers have the skills and knowledge to answer your questions. But you may have to ask the questions. Don�t leave the question for the last minutes of your appointment when the physician or nurse is about to walk out the door. State at the beginning of your appointment that you want to ask about this. Don�t be worried that you may not know the right word for what you are talking about � and don�t feel embarrassed. Health care providers are used to talking about body parts and what they are there for!