Abstract
The need for the psychosexual rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors and their intimate partners is underscored by the high prevalence of multiple psychosexual difficulties encountered by this patient population. Concerns about health, sexuality, and emotional distress are common among women with breast cancer and are often related to the side effects of cancer treatment. Additionally, both intimate relationship problems and partners’ distress are likely to influence patients’ psychosexual health. A clearer understanding of these complex clinical issues is needed in order to implement effective psychosexual rehabilitation interventions. In this article, we extended the use of the manualized and empirically validated Supportive-Expressive Group Therapy (SEGT) model to target the specific psychosexual needs of couples with breast (as well as other types of) cancer. In view of the pertinent literature in this area and based on our clinical experience utilizing this group therapy model with different patient populations, we have discussed how clinicians involved in the psychosexual care of oncology patients could apply such a model within a couples group therapy format.
Highlights
Due to the emotional significance of the breast and the related fear that its removal might be necessary for treatment, breast cancer is viewed as terrifying, creating significant anxiety and distress even prior to diagnosis [1]
As a possible implication of these findings, Giese-Davis and colleagues proposed that women with cancer might need to address conflicts and difficulties with their intimate partners in an open manner in order to lower their own distress level. They indicated that, to achieve such a goal, treatment may have to focus more on the couple’s relationship and level of coping than on patients’ individual coping. This is in line with what we propose in the present article: to provide psychosexual group treatment to patients living with a serious medical condition, such as breast cancer, by addressing these delicate issuesin couples groups
The results of empirical research show that group psychotherapy is a successful treatment modality [64], and it is often used within oncology psychotherapeutic practice [63]
Summary
Due to the emotional significance of the breast and the related fear that its removal might be necessary for treatment, breast cancer is viewed as terrifying, creating significant anxiety and distress even prior to diagnosis [1]. Women who undergo breast cancer treatment are at risk for persistent and significantly disrupted quality of life and emotional distress [2,3]. Sexual dysfunction is a likely complication of breast cancer, often related to the various consequences of medical treatment, partner distress, and intimate relationship difficulties. Women treated with either breast conserving modalities or with mastectomy report somewhat similar psychosexual and body image problems (usually loss of libido, loss of interest in partner, and sexual dissatisfaction). Because these problems surface early on, sexuality issues should be properly assessed and targeted therapeutically as soon as possible [5]. We have used the terms “spouse” and “intimate partner” interchangeably
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