ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the complexity, diversity and sensitivity of issues related to sexual health affecting cancer and palliative care patients and their families. Ground rules are always important, especially when teaching with an experiential workshop-type approach. Versatility of teaching style and methods is of paramount importance, in order not only to engage the students, but also to enable them to learn, and to examine and challenge their own practice. The chapter discusses how to deal with some specific aspects of sexuality. However, a simple assessment model has been effectively utilised across not only different healthcare settings but also different social settings, by Relate counsellors and social workers, among others. This model may be successfully used to benefit cancer and palliative care patients who need help, support and information with regard to sexual matters. The chapter discusses the difficulties and possible solutions involved in teaching about sexuality in relation to cancer and palliative care.
