Sexual Health in Cancer Treatment: A Critical Component Overlooked by Oncology Clinicians

Research conducted at the Clinic of Medical Oncology has revealed that oncology clinicians frequently overlook sexual health in cancer patients, despite its significant impact on overall quality of life. A cross-sectional survey of 145 oncology specialists in Turkiye showed that only 3.4% had received specific training on sexual health in cancer care, and 86.9% expressed a desire for further education. Furthermore, discussions on sexual health were infrequent, with only 57.9% of clinicians believing they provided adequate information, while 42.1% felt underprepared.

Key Takeaways:

• Only 3.4% of oncology clinicians in Turkiye had received specific training on sexual health in cancer care.
• 86.9% of clinicians expressed a desire for further education on sexual health in cancer treatment.
• Discussions on sexual health were infrequent, with 15.2% of clinicians never addressing it at treatment initiation and 33.1% never addressing it during follow-up.
• Lack of time and insufficient knowledge were the most cited barriers to discussing sexual health with cancer patients.
• 57.9% of clinicians believed they provided adequate information on sexual health, while 42.1% felt underprepared.
• Enhancing clinician education on sexual health, particularly in the context of newer therapies such as immunotherapy, is essential for improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients.

Statistics:

• 3.4% of oncology clinicians in Turkiye had received specific training on sexual health in cancer care.
• 86.9% of clinicians expressed a desire for further education on sexual health in cancer treatment.
• 15.2% of clinicians never addressed sexual health at treatment initiation.
• 33.1% of clinicians never addressed sexual health during follow-up.
• 57.9% of clinicians believed they provided adequate information on sexual health.
• 42.1% of clinicians felt underprepared to discuss sexual health with cancer patients.

Sources:

• "Sexuality in Cancer Treatment: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Oncology Physicians." Acta Haematologica Oncologica Turcica, vol. 58, no. 2, 2025, pp. 81-86. Galenos Publishing House. doi: 10.4274/ahot.galenos.2025.2025-4-9.
• NewsRx. Reports from Clinic of Medical Oncology Describe Recent Advances in Cancer (Sexuality in Cancer Treatment: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Oncology Physicians). Immunotherapy Weekly. September 3, 2025; p 4388.