Clinical nurse specialists and the psychosexual needs of patients with gynaecological cancer.
Due to improved survival rates many women have been left with chronic problems following treatment for a gynaecological cancer. These include psychosexual issues, premature menopause and infertility. Common sexual problems may result from low self-esteem, loss of femininity, vaginal stenosis and dryness. In the UK, clinical nurse specialists are recognized as key members of the multidisciplinary teams required to care for women diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer. Their role in providing information and support with special reference to psychosexual problems is examined.
Parkinson
Nancy
N
Gynaecological Oncology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK. nancy.parkinson@orh.nhs.uk
Pratt
Heather
H
D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D024802:Nurse's Role; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*