title: Discussing the sexual consequences of treatment in radiotherapy and urology consultations with couples affected by prostate cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the ways in which prostate cancer treatment-induced sexual changes are presented as viable topics for discussion in urology and radiotherapy clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ethnographic observations were made of 60 consultations between clinicians, patients and partners in clinical oncology and prostate cancer urology clinics.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sexual functioning was discussed infrequently in both clinic settings. Despite the presence of partners in nearly half of consultations, involvement of the partner tended to be minimal. Overall, discussions of wider psychosexual concerns were marginalised in consultations, and there were limited opportunities for couples to discuss the specific impact of prostate cancer and its treatments on sexual functioning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the potential burden of symptoms and side-effects, there is a need to include discussions of sexual recovery and rehabilitation in consultations, and to provide opportunities to discuss the sexual consequences of treatment with men and their partners.
authors.affiliation: Cancer Care Research Centre, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK. elizabeth.forbat@stir.ac.uk
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forbat
authors.forename: Isabella
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marshall-Lucette
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires