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Cancer is Not Sexy! Supporting Cancer Survivors' Journeys to Bring Sexy Back
Title of Event: Cancer is Not Sexy! Supporting Cancer Survivors' Journeys to Bring Sexy Back
Description of Event:
Sexual dysfunction is among the most common and distressing consequences of cancer treatment (Cancer Statistics, n.d.; Esmet Hosseini et al., 2022; Jackson et al., 2016). While some effects may be short-term, many cancer survivors experience long-term impacts such as treatment-induced menopause, altered gonadal function, and significant surgical disfigurement (Krychman & Milheiser, 2013; Pizzol et al., 2021; Onen Sertöz et al., 2004). These challenges can lead to profound sexual dysfunction, which can significantly affect a survivor’s quality of life (Boa & Grénman, 2018; Dizon, Suzin, & McIlvenna, 2014). Yet, a survey of gynecologic oncologists found that fewer than half routinely addressed sexual health with patients (Hay et al., 2018). Time constraints, lack of training, or discomfort are often cited as reasons for avoiding these discussions (Boa and Grénman, 2018).
Sexual dysfunction is a common consequence of treatment, with studies suggesting that over 60% of women (Hosseini et al., 2022) and 40% of men (Pizzol et al., 2021) experience it. Despite its prevalence, survivors often feel unprepared for these changes and unsupported in managing their impact (Hawkins et al., 2009; Hay et al., 2018). This session will discuss the impact cancer and cancer treatments have on survivor’s sexual satisfaction and well being and offer cancer-informed, solution-focused, and sex positive approaches when working with cancer survivors. Participants will learn about holding space for a client’s need to grieve the loss of their pre-cancer lives and discuss methods of identifying safe and satisfying ways for clients to experience sexual intimacy with self and others when cancer is part of the picture.
Date of Event: February 21, 2025
Time of Event: 8am-10am PT/ 10am-12pm CT/ 11am-1pm ET
Location: Online
Sexuality Education (SE) Training:
SE4. Theory and methods of approaches to sexuality education with specific populations (e.g., youth, older adults, couples, ethnic/ cultural/ faith-based populations, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities).
Sexuality Counseling (SC) Training:
SC1. Theory and methods of personal/individual counseling.
Presenter/Speaker: Laurie Bonjo, PhD, NCC, CSC
Company/Organization Sponsor: The Chicago School in partnership with Association of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness
Contact Name: Office of CE at The Chicago School
Contact Email: officeofce@thechicagoschool.edu
Event Website: https://tcsppofficeofce.com/feb_21_2025-2/
AASECT Approved CEs: 2.0