Each autumn, slogans like “Choose blue!” or “Think pink!” abound, along with blue or pink newspaper and magazine sections, advertisements and supermarket products. These announce the annual advent of National Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness Months every September and October. However, an important issue is often overlooked at this season.
I appreciate the positive emphasis on the need for medical research and community support. But as a prostate cancer survivor, healthcare educator, and certified sexuality counselor with a doctorate in gerontology, I'm concerned that hardly anyone stresses ways to address cancer survivors’ need for greater intimacy, even though most suffer from some form of long-term sexual dysfunction.
In fact, one-third of the 400,000 Americans diagnosed each year with prostate or breast cancers are Boomers, ages 45 to 65, whose vibrant personal lives are suddenly disrupted.
When it comes to major illnesses like breast and prostate cancer, quality of life issues like improving patients’ sexual relationships are generally overlooked, even when specialists address the medical mechanics of sexual rehabilitation.
Reigniting great sex after cancer is a painful challenge for many cancer patients, survivors or their partners. Take positive steps to enhance your intimate relationship by checking out the resources on my new website, Loving After Cancer. You'll be glad you did!
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