BC Cancer Agency’s Community Cancer Forum to address sexual concerns of patients

Cancer treatment often has a major impact on the sexuality of patients and their relationships with their partners.

“Sexual problems are common among cancer patients,” says Dr. Lori Brotto, assistant professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, and registered psychologist. “Depending on the type of cancer and treatment, up to 80 percent of women and around 60 percent of men experience sexual difficulties.”

“Apart from coping with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many patients also deal with a loss in sexual desire, pain, erectile dysfunction, fear of sexual activity, and an altered body.”

Addressing the sexual concerns faced by cancer patients and their partners is one of the topics of this year’s BC Cancer Agency Community Cancer Forum, sponsored by the Provincial Health Services Authority. The free open forum brings together experts in the oncology field to address the many issues and concerns that affect cancer patients, their family and friends.

Guest speaker Dr. Brotto will provide insight on the sexual problems common with cancer, how to find solutions to sexual problems, create or maintain intimacy, and talk to health care providers about this sensitive topic.

“Sexuality is intimately linked to quality of life,” explains Dr. Brotto. “Untreated sexual problems can have a lasting impact on patients and their relationships with significant others. I encourage patients and their partners to attend the Community Cancer Forum to learn how to cope with sexual concerns and dysfunctions that result from cancer treatment.”

Dr. Brotto’s presentation is just one of several unique sessions at the BC Cancer Agency’s Community Cancer Forum. Other sessions include:

• Whole Person Approach to Cancer Care: Empowering the Mind, Body and Spirit
• Picking up the Pieces: Moving Forward After Surviving Cancer
• Delicious Comforting Foods - an Interactive Cooking Demonstration
• Complementary Medicine: How to Make Decisions That are Right for You
• Families Coping with Cancer: Good Intentions & Imperfect Realities

Participants also have the opportunity to visit 16 information tables hosted by the BC Cancer Agency and its community partners.

The BC Cancer Agency’s Community Cancer Forum is free and registration is not required. It will be held at the Westin Bayshore, located at 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver B.C., from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 22. For more information, please visit www.bccancer.bc.ca or call 604.877.6272 or 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

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