ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This article presents cognitive and behavioral sexual rehabilitation interventions to assist persons with cancer in understanding and adjusting to the physical changes caused by cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interventions described here include educating patients about the phases of sexual functioning and the impact of treatment, giving patients permission to explore their ability to respond to sexual stimulation by using self-pleasuring exercises, teaching sensate focus exercises that structure noncoital foreplay; and suggesting changes in coital positions. RESULTS: Sexual functioning is an important aspect of quality of life for people with cancer that continues to be difficult for oncology professionals to address. Familiarity with these interventions can prepare the properly trained oncology social workers, nurses, and other mental health professionals to assist cancer patients with their concerns about sexual functioning. CONCLUSIONS: All oncology professionals should be aware of the importance of recognizing and addressing issues of sexual functioning in patients with cancer to validate the patient's experience and make the proper referral to a trained sex therapist.
Subject(s)
Neoplasms/psychology , Neoplasms/rehabilitation , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Sex Education/methods , Sexuality/psychology , Survivors/psychology , Body Image , Female , Humans , Male , Neoplasms/nursing , Quality of Life , Referral and ConsultationABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to present behavioral interventions to assist persons with lung cancer in the management of feelings of breathlessness and, thus, also to enhance their quality of life. OVERVIEW: Breathlessness is a serious symptom that adversely affects the quality of life of persons with lung cancer. A review of the literature points to the value of exercises in assisting patients to breathe more effectively and to manage related anxiety. However, the professional literature frequently does not describe these basic interventions in enough detail to enable oncology professionals to learn them. Instructional materials, found in the popular wellness and self-help literature, are included in this article to more easily facilitate acquisition of these skills. Interventions described include exercises that enhance the use of the diaphragm when breathing and those that help to alter the breathing rhythm and to exhale more effectively. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: All oncology professionals should be aware of the importance of breathlessness as a problem that diminishes the quality of life for patients with lung cancer. Addressing breathlessness through the use of psychosocially oriented behavioral interventions can act as an adjunct to the medical management of this debilitating symptom.
Subject(s)
Breathing Exercises , Dyspnea/etiology , Dyspnea/therapy , Lung Neoplasms/complications , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Self Care/methods , Dyspnea/physiopathology , Dyspnea/psychology , Health Promotion/methods , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/psychology , Nursing Assessment , Quality of Life , Teaching MaterialsABSTRACT
Clinical data on all non-hemophiliac adult cases of transfusion-induced HIV infection (TI-HIV) referred for treatment to the Infectious Disease Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1987 to 1989 (N = 20) provided an opportunity to investigate the social and psychological impact of transfusion-induced HIV-infection. The specific psychosocial issues presented by this population which relate to the circumstances of their infection (i.e., blood transfusions) include: coping with personal feelings of victimization, sadness, anger, and isolation; decision-making concerning medical treatment; and re-building trust in relationships with medical care professionals. Counseling interventions with this population are described.
