Sexual Health Issues in Women Treated for Carcinoma Breast and Carcinoma Cervix

The most frequently treated cancer in women, include breast and genital malignancy; of which cervical and uterine cancer are commonest. Treatment of these cancer can cause adverse short term and long term effects on sexual health. Sexual dysfunction is common in cancer survivors. Despite marked advances in the management of these malignancies, side effects of various treatment modalities utilized; surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormonal treatment can lead to sexual health issues in women. Although sexual dysfunction leads to immense distress, majority of the women who have undergone treatment for breast and cervical carcinoma are not evaluated or treated appropriately for sexual dysfunction.Sexual problems and menopause related symptoms can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Research has shown that at least 50 percent of the women treated for cervical carcinoma develop sexual dysfunction after completion of treatment. In this article we provide an overview of the various treatment modalities and associated sexual health issues afflicting women that compromise their quality of life.