Intimacy issues: sexuality, fertility, and relationships.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of the intimacy issues, (sexuality, fertility, and interpersonal relationships) that have an impact on the lives of cancer survivors.


METHODS
Published articles, research studies, and textbook chapters.


CONCLUSIONS
The experience of living with cancer impacts the survivors interpersonal relationships, sexuality, and fertility. As cancer treatments become more effective in prolonging life, options that preserve sexual function and fertility will be more prevalent.


CONCLUSIONS
It is the responsibility of the oncology health care professional to become educated about options that preserve sexual function and fertility and inform patients before treatment decisions are made.
Thaler-DeMers
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Department of Hematology-Oncology, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, Stanford, CA, USA.
D000328:Adult; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D010063:Ovum; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality; D013090:Spermatocytes; D015996:Survival Rate