Formulating an Educational Model

Abstract

Cancer is something that happens to someone else-it is a third-person illness. Yet many are faced with the reality of receiving this diagnosis. Often, cancer and its treatment process force patients to cope with issues involving sexual identity, selfimage, and sexual functioning. Lack of education and fear of the unknown are two aspects of cancer that affect most people in the initial stage of treatment. An educational approach that connects concerns about health, mental health, and sexuality could help alleviate fear and thus benefit cancer patients and their partners and families. This article reviews the relevant literature and concentrates on the process of planning an educational model that could be used with patients, their partners, and families with regard to sexuality and self-image issues. Attention is given to defining need and examining the possibilities of incorporating educational material about sexuality into an already-existing educational program.