title: The sexuality discussion: tools for the oncology nurse.
abstract: Receiving a cancer diagnosis and experiencing the effects of antineoplastic therapies can have a devastating effect on a person's emotional, physical, and psychological well-being and a significant negative effect on sexual desire and function. Oncology nurses are the ideal healthcare professionals to assess the sexual health status of their patients and to intervene to sensitively address sexuality issues. Having this discussion can be uncomfortable for both nurses and patients, but using communication tools can help nurses gain confidence in their abilities to address sexuality concerns in an effective and comfortable manner and to provide patients with useful information and insights.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nursing Education, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, USA. marcelle.kaplan
authors.forename: Marcelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kaplan
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pacelli
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D019529:Sexuality; D000078329:Workforce