Oncosexology - selected issues taking into account the problem of sexological care of patients with cancer

Sep 21, 2026

Research highlights the interpersonal dimension of cancer care: 44% of oncological problems involve partner-related relationship issues, and around 80% of patients report deterioration in sexual life quality. Despite progress, most patients do not receive sexuality-related support during oncological treatment. Intimacy remains an essential sphere for recovery, while disease and therapy side effects can cause long-term sexual and desire-related consequences, including symptoms linked to menopause.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Oncosexology – selected issues taking into account the problem of sexological care of patients with cancer Katarzyna Plagens-Rotman1, Piotr Merks2, Magdalena Pisarska-Krawczyk3, Ewa Jakubek4, Małgorzata Mizgier5, Justyna Jaskulska6, Małgorzata Wójcik7, Urszula Religioni8, Grażyna Jarząbek-Bielecka1,9, Witold Kędzia9 1Centre for Paediatric, Adolescent Gynaecology and Sexology Division of Gynaecology, Department of Gynaecology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland 2Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warszawa, Poland 3 Nursing Department, President Stanisław Wojciechowski State University of Kalisz, Kalisz, Poland 4Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Calisia University, Kalisz, Poland 5Department of Sports Dietetics, Chair of Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland 6 Higher School of Strategic Planning, Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland 7Department of Physiotherapy, Poznań University of Physical Education, Faculty of Sport Sciences in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland 8School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland 9Division of Gynaecology, Department of Gynaecology, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland Abstract As can be seen from research, 44% of oncological problems disclose problems in relationships with a partner. About 80% of oncological patients report deterioration of the quality of their sexual life. Although the situation improves, a significant majority of ill persons do not obtain assistance in the scope of sexuality during oncological treatment. Intimacy is an important sphere of life and can support the process of recovery. Intimacy plays special role in the difficult period of the fight against disease. Independently of the applied method of oncological treatment, side effects of therapy can influence one’s sexual life. This means that an increasing number of persons who are healed from cancerous disease are exposed to the long-term undesirable influence of treatment. The process of oncological treatment has an essential impact on the intimate life of those who suffer from oncological diseases. To a great extent, this process and the disease itself contribute to a decrease of the quality of life due to the appearance of symptoms caused by earlier menopause, they negatively influence the feeling desire and sexual performance. Unfortunately, despite the development of oncosexology, sexual problems of oncologically ill persons are not noticed, and sometimes they are played down or overlooked due to everyday problems. Key words: oncosexology, gynaecology, sexual health. Introduction There is increasing interest in the functioning of sexuality for oncological patients, caused mostly by improvements in the results of cancer treatments and the increasing number of convalescents. Sexual health is one of the determinants of quality of life and the feeling of happiness in a relationship with a partner. Care in the context of sexual life includes not only the issue of reproduction, but also prophylaxis, diagnostics, and treatment of sexual disfunctions [1, 2] or sexually transmitted diseases [3, 4], and also specific psychosexological assistance for persons with cancer [5–10] . Sexual health is a vital part of the overall health condition of couples and families. Studies have proven that sexuality is linked to better mental health and satisfaction, while an increased level of intimacy and love in relationships improves the ability to perceive, identify, and express emotions, as well as to reduce the use of defence mechanisms [11] . Therefore, in gynaecology, as a science about woman, a holistic attitude to taking care of women is essential, Corresponding author: Katarzyna Plagens-Rotman, Centre for Paediatric, Adolescent Gynaecology and Sexology Divisio

FAQs

How common are relationship and sexual life issues among cancer patients?

Research cited in the document reports that 44% of oncological problems relate to relationship issues with a partner, and about 80% of cancer patients experience a decline in the quality of their sexual life.

Why is sexual health considered important in cancer care?

The document links sexual health to overall quality of life and well-being in relationships. Intimacy is presented as supporting recovery, while therapy side effects can negatively affect sexual functioning and desire.

What is oncosexology and who contributes to it?

Oncosexology is described as an interdisciplinary field where oncologists, sexologists, psychologists, and physiotherapists cooperate to address sexuality-related concerns in cancer care.

Sep 21, 2026

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