There are more than 2 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States.
Primary therapy with surgery or radiation results in permanent changes in sexual function. More than half of these men are subsequently treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at some point. The addition of ADT further compromises sexuality, intimacy, and a couple's relationship. This review will highlight the challenges faced by patients and couples and reveal the tremendous need for better education of physicians, patients, and couples as well as for more research in sexuality and intimacy with the goal of improving quality of life for this large population of survivors. Suggestions for clinicians to better help patients and their partners regarding sexuality and intimacy are offered.
Written by:
Higano CS. Are you the author?
University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
Reference: J Clin Oncol. 2012 Sep 24. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1200/JCO.2012.41.8509
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23008326
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