Sexual assessment in cancer care: concepts, methods, and strategies for success.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature and provide specific suggestions for assessing and addressing sexual concerns seen in those diagnosed with cancer.


METHODS
Review and research articles, abstracts, books, electronic databases.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexuality and sexual health are integral components of overall health and essential for quality of life. Patients should have the opportunity to discuss their sexual issues and concerns with a qualified health care professional. Knowledgeable, skilled nurses are well-qualified to conduct sexual assessments and to provide options for interventions and referrals.


CONCLUSIONS
To provide quality cancer care, nurses need to be educated about sexual health and to learn the knowledge and skills requisite to a basic discussion and assessment of potential or actual sexual dysfunction in their patients.
Krebs
Linda U
LU
University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Nursing, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Linda.krebs@uchsc.edu
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012747:Sexual Partners; D019529:Sexuality