Sexual adjustment of women after gynaecological and breast cancer

Abstract

Following treatment for gynaecological or breast cancer, most women eventually successfully re-establish some sexual activity. Motivation to resume sexual contact after treatment for cancer appears to be more important than the type of physical handicap caused by the treatment. It is extremely important to provide adequate information and counselling for the patient and her partner during the process of adjustment. In practice, it appears that this is often neglected. A stepwise model of patient information and support is presented which aims to offer a solution.