SEXUALITY DISABILITY The Effects Breast Cancer has on Sexual Functioning
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness in regards to a causal relationship between disabilities and sexual functioning/behavior. More specifically, an overabundance of research has indicated that sexual dysfunction is a symptom prevalent to those diagnosed with having breast cancer. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, “cancer has the potential to affect sexual desire through psychologic mechanisms, changes in body image, hormonal changes, and cancer-related symptoms such as pain and fatigue”. The American Cancer Society estimates that breast cancer is the most widespread cancer among women, for 192,200 new cases were diagnosed last year alone. These astounding figures further illustrate the need for this topic to be addressed, since so many women are at risk of encountering sexual problems as a result of breast cancer treatment.