Sidney University. Australia: Romance may still be lingering in the air, but for many cancer
survivors Valentine's Day was just another reminder of how their
sexuality has been scarred by cancer.
Over 40 percent of all
cancer survivors experience negative sexual changes after treatment,
with this percentage dramatically rising to over 90 percent in survivors
treated for 'below the belt' cancer types, including prostate cancer,
ovarian cancer and cervical cancer.
The University of Sydney and
Cancer Council NSW identified that cancer survivors are suffering in
silence and need support. New research found that 50 percent of cancer
survivors did not seek help for their sexual concerns, citing
embarrassment and lack of privacy as the main barriers.
"Cancer
can take its toll, but it doesn't have to take away your sexuality.
Cancer survivors and their partners have identified sexual concerns and
they're not getting the help they need to address them," said Dr Catalina Lawsin from the University of Sydney's School of Psychology.
Changes
to sexual wellbeing can leave cancer survivors feeling less confident
and less at ease with intimacy. Fatigue, pain, physical discomfort,
impotence and anxiety can greatly impact a survivor's sex life, and if
it isn't dealt with the problem can escalate, breaking down their
self-esteem and intimate relationships.
To address these issues, the University of Sydney and Cancer Council NSW have developed a world-first online resource, called Rekindle, to improve the sexual wellbeing of all cancer survivors, and their partners.
"Many
cancer survivors don't know that sexual changes are common after
treatment. They have never discussed the possible impact on their sexual
wellbeing with a health professional or their partner.
"We created Rekindle
so people don't feel alone and overwhelmed but can access practical
advice and learn skills in a confidential environment to improve their
sexual wellbeing." said Dr Lawsin.
Annie Miller, Cancer Council NSW
said, "Survivors are sometimes expected to bounce back to how they were
before their illness, but if someone's sexual identity has changed then
that can alter how they feel, act and interact with others.
"Rekindle
offers a wide range of tools and practical advice - whether that is
information on the side effects of treatments, overcoming fear and
insecurity, how to communicate better with your partner to help you feel
better about you and your relationships or practical advice on the use
and availability of sex aids."
Twenty-four year old cancer
survivor Sam Patterson praises the resource for sharing real life
stories and encouraging partners to work together. He says that coping
with sex and intimacy challenges is "impossible if you don't
communicate. Lack of sex after cancer can make people feel guilty and
can ruin relationships. If you open the conversation you'll both feel
better for it and will understand each other's concerns and needs."
Rekindle is designed for a wide range of possible users affected by any type of cancer. There are 12 versions of Rekindle tailored to gender, relationship status and sexual orientation. Rekindle
is self-led, once you log on and answer a survey you follow the pathway
designed to best suit your needs, all within the privacy of your own
home.
Seventy percent of Rekindle
is video-based including a range of scenarios brought to life by
actors, with humour and insight. Narrated by Noni Hazlehurst, Rekindle
has extensive activities and information, including real stories from
cancer survivors and oncologists.
Visit Rekindle for more information.