BC Cancer Agency’s free public presentation addresses sexual concerns of patients

Victoria, B.C. – Cancer treatment often has a major impact on the sexuality of patients and on their relationships with their partners. But for some patients, it’s uncomfortable to raise questions with their health care providers or with their partners about sex.

Bob Bentham, a 63 year old retired electrical superintendent, was able to cope with the sexual problems resulting from prostate cancer surgery he had in 1998 because of the open communication he has with his partner.

“I was fortunate to be able to regain sexual intimacy with my partner, but the long recovery was challenging both physically and mentally,” says Bentham. “If I had been uncomfortable or embarrassed to talk openly about the problems with my partner, the recovery process would have been more difficult. Communication is really key.”

"There were of course frustrating moments for both of us, but we kept in mind that disappointments were okay," says Donna Randall, who met Bentham three years after his surgery. "There are many ways to be intimate, and we tried to be creative to work around any problems that arose."

To address the sexual concerns faced by cancer patients, the BC Cancer Agency will host a free public presentation, “Everything you want to know about sex and cancer but were afraid to ask,” on February 13. The presentation, sponsored by the BC Cancer Foundation, is open to patients, their families and the public.

Delivered by special guest, Dr. Anne Katz, a sexuality counselor at CancerCare Manitoba and author of Breaking the Silence on Cancer and Sexuality: A Handbook for Health Care Providers, the presentation will focus on how to find solutions to sexual problems, create or maintain intimacy, and talk to health care providers about this sensitive topic.

“With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we want to bring the topic of sexuality and cancer to the forefront,” says Nancy Payeur, Regional Practice Leader, Patient and Family Counselling, BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre. “Dr. Katz has a wealth of experience helping patients who face sexual difficulties, and we’re very pleased to offer her presentation, which will include practical information that will help improve the emotional and physical well-being of our patients.”

“Sex is an important quality of life issue that transcends age, gender, and sexual orientation,” says Dr. Katz. “Sex is also a topic that for too long has not been openly discussed, and many patients and their partners have suffered from this silence by not getting the information they need.”

“Coping with an altered body, changes in sexual desire, side effects of treatment, erectile difficulties, and infertility are just some of the issues cancer patients face,” says Dr. Katz. “If patients have questions about these types of issues, I encourage them have an open dialogue with their health care providers.”

The free public presentation will take place on February 13 at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, 2410 Lee Avenue, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. As seating is limited, please pre-register by calling 250.519.5525.

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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For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
Tel: 604.877.6272
Pgr: 604.806.2338
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca