The impact of cancer and its treatment on sexual desire, satisfaction and functioning: findings from an exploratory study in rural Turkey

As a result of improvements in biomedical science and health care in general, the life expectancy of cancer patients is significantly prolonged. However, as a result, new and enduring problems may of this period be experienced more frequently. This descriptive study was carried out to determine changes in the sexual functioning of cancer patients in the city of Duzce, Turkey and their psychosexual counselling needs. The study sample consists of 40 patients (24 men, 16 women) with various cancers and disease stages. To assess patients' sexual functioning, changes in four parameters related sexuality (desire, attractiveness, satisfaction and frequency) were measured, with patients comparing their conditions before and after the diagnosis of cancer. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews. In evaluating the data, mean, percentage and Fisher exact chi-squared tests were used. The importance of sexuality declined for the majority of patients following their illness. It was found that cancer patients with Stage III-IV and over 50 years of age experienced decrease in the frequency of their sexual relationships and sexual desire. Our study shows that 85% of patients were not provided with information concerning sexual activity during their illness, and needed counselling about changes in sexual functioning caused by the illness