Looking at affects of cancer and its treatment on the emerging sexual self during adolescence

The diagnosis of a life-threatening illness such as cancer brings huge losses, both actual and potential, not only for the individual but also for the partner and family. All cancers and the treatments for cancer have the potential to negatively affect sexuality and body image, diminish sexual functioning and feelings of attractiveness.
There is an importance of providing opportunity for patients to discuss issues of intimacy, sexuality and sexual development with health professionals which will be highlighted. Sexual self-esteem is often directly related to overall feelings of well-being. Sexual self-schemas are cognitive generalizations regarding sexual aspects of the self; they represent a core component of one’s sexuality. Individuals learn about sexual behaviour and how to interpret sexual behaviour within a cultural context placing greater emphasis on location in the social structure as the primary force influencing the social construction of reality, including conceptions and experiences of sexuality. This research is an exploration of the lived experience looking at cancer, treatments and the effects they have on sexuality for both developing men and women, followed by a discussion on recommendations to overcome these effects.