Sex and Cancer: opening difficult therapeutic conversations and challenging assumptions using Design Activism-language outside the comfort zone

ABSTRACT

Evidence shows sexual and relationship problems are common following cancer, producing distress for patients. Patients and health professional surveys clearly show both groups have difficulties discussing sexual problems. Patients report feeling guilty and disempowered, and health professionals report feeling anxious and inadequately skilled, leading to poor assessment and treatment. Our socio-cultural understanding sees sex as private, but also one most susceptible to social influence. The sense of sexual self (sexual identity) develops from cultural and religious understanding, learning from significant adults with whom we live and life experiences. ComMA (Communication Medicine and Art), working through design activism have trialled the use of art textile as a metaphor, an alternative language for patient's words. They created visual statements to challenge these notions at experiential workshops within two International Conferences on Sexuality and Cancer. Outcome: The clinicians’ evaluations have shown the workshops were able to challenge, and reflections from the experience suggested health professionals felt better equipped to talk about sex with patients. This paper looks at the background to the work, processes involved, pilot studies results and considers the next stage: research involving developing a visual communication in collaboration with patients, to challenge both health professionals and patients alike to empower therapeutic conversations.

KEYWORDS:

• Sex
• cancer
• communication
• art textile
• design activism

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Alan Barron, Helen Savage, and Richard Linford for their administrative support and guidance, and Catherine Dineley for photography. Also they thank the patients who gave generous support in their valuable comments and to the delegates who attended the conferences.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Josie Butcher

Josie Butcher , MB ChB, BSc., College of Sexual and Relationship Psychotherapy (CSRP), Consultant & Director of the Psychosexual Medicine & Therapy Service, Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), and General Practitioner (rtd.). Past academic interests include leading an MSc/Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychosexual Therapy, Stimulating Practice-Based Research and Development in General Practice and peer-reviewed journal publications. She has specific interest in sexuality and cancer.

Colette Dobson

Colette Dobson , MA, is a practising artist of 35 years of experience; her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, www.colettedobson(link-bespokecv-and-portfolio), featured in catalogues and publications, including at the V&A, The Dutch National Museum of Textiles, Koyo Gallery, Tokyo, www.colettedobson(link-62group.org.uk/artist/colettedobson2). She has 25 years of experience as a senior lecturer in two universities and is active in research. In 2013, she delivered a paper at the Royal College of Art, debating Design Activism and Feminism.

Angela Atkinson

Angela Atkinson , MA, is a practicing ceramic designer maker of 39 years. Her career spans studio practice, designing for industry and lecturer at Loughborough University in 3D new practice with a specialism in ceramics. She is widely exhibited both nationally and internationally and currently is the award leader and senior lecturer in 3D design at the Faculty of Art and Creative Technologies, Staffordshire University.

Amanda Clayton

Amanda Clayton is a practicing artist of 35 years and widely exhibited nationally and internationally with a specialism in fine art embroidery. She is a retired lecturer in Diagnostic Studies, Art and Design, a career lasting 34 years. www.amandajclayton.co.uk to view publications and gallery.

Elizabeth Couzins-Scott

Elizabeth Couzins-Scott is a practicing textile artist of 30 years. A retired fine art teacher widely exhibited nationally and internationally with a specialism in art textile. Her career includes 3D design ceramics at Farnham School of Art. Access to CV and exhibiting profile can be found on Axis Art and Design website. She is widely published nationally and internationally including a book on paper making and a range of other journals.