ABSTRACT
Critical issues in the quality-of-life concept focus on activities of daily living, behavior on one’s job, family interaction, psychological symptom atology, and utilization of leisure time. Very little, if any, attention has been directed at sexual functioning and satisfaction in the cancer patient. There is a paucity of knowledge about the degree of impairment of sexual function and body image associated with the major modes of cancer therapy, including ablative surgery and aggressive courses of either chemo therapy or radiation. In addition, there is no substantive data on the role of the health care provider in dealing with this problem. Does the primary physician, oncological surgeon, or floor nurse initiate inquiry or counseling of this area with the patient? Who is responsible for patients suffering serious sexual disturbances in conjunction with cancer treatments?
