Sexual Health in the Terminally Ill

Abstract

Despite the integral role sexuality and intimacy play throughout a person’s lifetime at physical, emotional and social levels, the topic of sexuality is rarely raised by health professionals in advanced cancer or palliative care setting. The objective of this chapter is to raise awareness, increase knowledge and provide professionals with practical strategies on communication and patient support regarding sexuality and intimacy during the palliative–terminal phase of cancer. Drawing on numerous case studies and qualitative examples from a predominantly older age group, the information presented in this chapter does not pretend to have any quantitative value. The intent is to share our experiences and information on a topic that is nearly never discussed in the sexological literature, and rarely in the oncology literature. Thus, our aim is to bring sexuality and intimacy out from under the wraps of palliative–terminal care, naming one of the great taboos at end of life.