Maintaining a patient’s quality of life during and post treatment needs to take into consideration their sexual health and wellbeing. Patients find it difficult to discuss sex and sexuality as it remains a taboo subject for many individuals (especially in a multicultural society like Australia). They privately muse about their symptoms and often dismiss them, thinking they alone face these issues. In addition, they receive mixed messages from health professionals, family and friends, peers, and other sources about the options available to alleviate the severity of the symptoms.
This session will draw upon the lived experience of the speaker as well as her fellow consumer representatives from BCNA, to dispel myths and propose ways in which the sexual health and well-being of patients can be improved.