Is there Sexual Life after Cancer?

Abstract

The discovery of cancer, its diagnosis and its treatment can be devastating for individual patients. The cancer and its treatment bring physical and psychological changes that carry far-reaching effects on the patient, their close relationships and their sexual behaviour. In order that these patients can be helped, it is important to understand the nature of these changes. Under the guidance of Professor David Khayat, Oncology Department of Hospital Pitié-Salpétrière, a test has recently been developed to measure modifications of sexual behavior in patients that have undergone treatment for certain forms of cancer. The design resulted from carefully conducted discussions with cancer patients regarding their psychological and conjugal status following treatment. The test was developed by N. Jarrousse (Sexologist, Cognitive and Behavioral psychotherapy), D. Khayat (Professor, Medical oncology), A. Benhamouda (Medical Oncologist), M. Mortier (Statistician, Computer scientist).