Impact of cancer on sexuality: How is the Moroccan patient affected?

Abstract

Summary Purpose To investigate the sex life of the Moroccan patient affected by cancer and the level of communication within medical staff. Subjects and methods Transversal study with a descriptive aim. Participants were assessed prospectively using a questionnaire. A second study conducted in parallel concerned the medical and nursing staff. Results The sample included 97 patients, 84% of whom were women. Mean age was 45 years, 81% were married. Cancers involving a genital organ represented 58%. Cancer affected sexual life of 67% of sexually active persons. The marital status of 20% changed after the diagnosis. Twenty-eight practitioners were approached (n = 28). All practitioners believed that patients suffer from sexual problems (100%). They also thought that improvement in sexual life would improve the overall quality of life for patients (97%). Doctors rarely broached the subject with patients. The main identified causes were absence of demand from patients (50%), lack of time (42%), difficulties communicating on the subject (42%); lack of intimacy (50%). All practitioners thought that patients would prefer to discuss this subject with a person of the same gender (100%). Conclusion Cancer seriously affects the sexuality of patients. Lack of communication is relevant. The first stage towards resolution of problems is to “open the dialogue” within the medical staff.