Sexual Dysfunction among Women with Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects all aspects of a patient¿s life, including sexual functioning and intimacy. Health care providers don¿t ask patients about it, and women may be uncomfortable broaching the topic on their own. Sexual dysfunction poses challenges to one¿s social, mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. It may occur as a result of the nature of a cancer, such as a cancer that affects the mechanics or hormonal pathways in sexual function, as a result of the treatment. It may also occur from the emotional trauma of receiving a diagnosis or indeed living with cancer for the patient as well as their sexual partner.Oncology nurses among health care providers are the first degree to which women can easily explain themselves and can be effective in removing their concerns related to sexual health. Oncology nurses are expected to fulfill a variety of activities, such as information-giving, symptom control, psychological care, and social support for the patient.