CARNAL NATION

Reuters reoprts that research released at the 32nd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) reveals that approximately three-quarters of women with breast cancer report coping with sexual problems.

Dr. Shari B. Goldfarb and her research team surveyed over 500 women with breast cancer in outpatient clinic waiting areas at New York’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and two community centers. The participants were coping with various stages of breast cancer and the majority were being treated with chemotherapy, including hormone-based therapies.

Seventy-six percent of those questioned reported having sexual problems, which is significantly higher than reported rates for cancer-free women. Approximately 80 percent expressed that their sexual challenges were bothersome and half described them as severely bothersome. Common reported symptoms included vaginal dryness and arousal difficulties.

"With improved treatments for breast cancer, patients are living longer, and most women treated for early-stage breast cancer will become long-term survivors," Goldfarb explains. "For this reason, quality of life and symptoms become increasingly important in the short-term, during treatment and in the long-term throughout survivorship."

Sexologist, Dr. Sueann Mark is a breast cancer survivor who specializes in supporting the sexuality of people living with cancer. According to Dr. Mark, her female clients living with cancer are often faced with symptoms similar to those of menopause, including lack of lubrication, pain during intercourse, difficulties with orgasm and fatigue.

“Most clients begin working with me approximately one-year post treatment. I stress the ABCs of sex and cancer: Adapt, Broaden definitions of sex and Communicate,” explains Dr. Mark. “Adaptation involves becoming comfortable with your new body and its unique feelings and responses. Broadening definitions of sex moves the focus away from intercourse, the genitals and orgasm alone. In exploring your entire bodies, your can experience a new and heightened sexual experience. Communication is key to building intimacy and openness with a partner.”

Despite high rates of reported sexual problems for women living with breast cancer, Dr. Mark reminds us that the human body is very adaptable and we can find pleasure through a variety of avenues. “Having a safe place to talk about these issues with someone who is non-judgmental and has first-hand experience can be incredibly freeing. Clients are amazed to learn that an open mind facilitated by the ABCs of sex and cancer can help them find pleasure through previously unexplored avenues.” For more information on sexuality and cancer, check out Dr. Mark's blog, Phoenix Rising.