Sexual Needs Among Cancer Patients: A Systematic Literature Review
Keywords:
Cancer Patients, Psychosexual Support, Sexual Communication, Sexual Psychoeducation, Social SupportAbstract
Background: Both cancer and its treatments have profound effects on sexuality. Sex, sexuality, and intimacy hold equal importance for cancer patients as they do for individuals without cancer. Discussions surrounding sexuality are often not viewed as urgent or essential and may even be considered taboo in certain cultural contexts. The quality-of-life issues have become secondary to the primary goal of curing cancer, with little emphasis on addressing intimacy-related problems. This study aims to identify the effective interventions for addressing the sexual needs of patients with cancer.
Method: systematic literature review through several databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Sage Journals. The article analysis process used the PRISMA method.
Results: 10 articles were reviewed that met the criteria, and the articles used randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cross-sectional methods.
Conclusion: Cancer and its treatment can cause various physical and psychological changes that can significantly impact the patient's sexual function. The interventions that address the sexual needs of cancer patients, such as psychosexual support, sexual psychoeducation, sexual communication, and social support, are an important need for cancer patients to overcome their sexual problems, to adapt, to maintain intimacy, and to improve their quality of life. Sexual needs are an important aspect that must be addressed and managed comprehensively in the management of cancer patient care to improve their quality of life.
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