Impact of cancer on sexuality: How is the Moroccan patient affected?

Abstract

To investigate the sex life of the Moroccan patient affected by cancer and the level of communication within medical staff. Transversal study with a descriptive aim. Participants were assessed prospectively using a questionnaire. A second study conducted in parallel concerned the medical and nursing staff. The sample included 97 patients, 84% of whom were women. Mean age was 45 years, 81% were married. Cancers involving a genital organ represented 58%. Cancer affected sexual life of 67% of sexually active persons. The marital status of 20% changed after the diagnosis. Twenty-eight practitioners were approached (n = 28). All practitioners believed that patients suffer from sexual problems (100%). They also thought that improvement in sexual life would improve the overall quality of life for patients (97%). Doctors rarely broached the subject with patients. The main identified causes were absence of demand from patients (50%), lack of time (42%), difficulties communicating on the subject (42%); lack of intimacy (50%). All practitioners thought that patients would prefer to discuss this subject with a person of the same gender (100%). Cancer seriously affects the sexuality of patients. Lack of communication is relevant. The first stage towards resolution of problems is to “open the dialogue” within the medical staff.