[Sexual health in cancer care: A cross-section of patients and professionals from a patient association].

Abstract

Sexual health is a central aspect of the well-being and quality of life of cancer patients. Through two separate surveys, one conducted among patients and the other among professionals, we assessed the needs and practices relating to sexual health in cancer care. The results showed that the importance attached to taking intimate and sexual life into account was fairly high, but that 44% of patients had discussed the subject with a professional, and the majority had done so on their own initiative. The types of support requested were a dedicated consultation (38%) and exchanges with other people with cancer (21%). More than half of the professionals did not discuss sexual health with their patients. The needs identified were specific training, time to exchange and share experiences with other professionals, and resources (documentation, reference websites). Professional training and appropriate tools seem necessary to meet patients' expectations.