Sexuality and the older person with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review the particular needs of older patients with cancer with respect to sexuality and to present appropriate nursing strategies to facilitate adjustment.


METHODS
Books, journals, and American Cancer Society publications.


RESULTS
Physical and emotional changes caused by diagnosis and treatment of cancer often are compounded in the older patient. Of particular concern is sexual adjustment, which already may be compromised by the effects of aging on normal sexual functioning, absence of a partner, or personal/societal prohibitions against sexuality in this population.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise, nutrition, and self-esteem intervention programs, coupled with strategies to facilitate sexual activity that take into account normal aging, can help older patients with cancer to reestablish usual sexual functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must establish a comfort level with sexual assessment and patient intervention so that they can provide counseling and suggest appropriate interventions.
Shell
J A
JA
Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.
Smith
C K
CK
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006803:Human Development; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D012649:Self Concept; D012731:Sex Counseling; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012945:Social Values; D013240:Stereotyping