MIAMI, FLORIDA (Feb. 5, 2025) – If you’re looking for a health-related Valentine’s Day story that’s not the usual fare, here’s an idea. For women who have been – or are being – treated for cancer, sexual intimacy can be challenging and even elusive. But the nationally recognized at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is proactively addressing these often-hidden (taboo) issues and helping to improve quality of life for cancer survivors,
It is one of only a few women’s sexual health programs at cancer centers in the United States and is in high demand among cancer survivors.
Key Takeaways:
- Many cancer treatments – such as chemotherapy or estrogen-blocking medications – can trigger menopause or worsen menopausal symptoms.
- Younger cancer patients have a higher rate of sexual dysfunction.
- For many cancer survivors of all ages, the topic of sexuality is taboo, but avoiding the issue can add more anxiety to a survivor already affected by stress or fatigue.
- Many cancer survivors suffer silently from symptoms such as vaginal dryness, painful sex, depressed libido and more.
- One might think that these symptoms only impact gynecologic or breast cancer patients, but it’s also women with other cancer types.
- Even in survivors who have not had surgery or chemotherapy, intimacy can be affected by the psychologic aspects of a cancer diagnosis.
- Physical and emotional symptoms go hand-in-hand. Many do not realize that biological contributors are causing emotional stress, too.
- Even in strong relationships, a cancer diagnosis can change the dynamic.
- Communication is key, both with the caregiver and a significant other.
MUSIC was founded by , a surgical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, who is available for interviews. Also available is , a clinical psychologist at Sylvester, who helps men and women find intimacy after cancer.
QUOTE:
“MUSIC adds to the comprehensive aspect of survivorship care at Sylvester, making sure that we not only address side effects that we talk about all the time, like hot flashes, joint pain, fatigue, etc., but also the more taboo topics that aren’t always brought up,” Rojas said. “We offer treatments that are evidence-based, effective, and safe, which is so important for cancer patients.”
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Gary Polakovic, director of Sylvester media relations
c-305-213-4642, [email protected].
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