Sex and Cancer

  I have written many times before about sexuality and cancer. The bottom line is that cancer is never a sexual aide, that a diagnosis and treatment impacts intimacy for everyone, and that it is not talked about as much as it should be. For most people with a new diagnosis, worries about sex are not at the top of the worry list; there are exceptions, but most of us are more distressed about possibly dying, the impact on our children, worrying about chemo and hair loss and nausea, professional issues, etc. It is also usually not at the top of our doctors' lists as there are so many things to discuss in the relatively brief appointment times. And, of course, are doctors are human and not all are so comfortable talking about sex. In our practice, I know that one of the common reasons for a referral to me is sexual concerns--expressed to the oncologist and quickly referred. Read more... Comments (0)

Coping Differences between Straight and Sexual Minority Women

  It is always dangerous to make sweeping (or even semi-sweeping) generalizations, and that surely applies to any assumptions about coping. I have read a number of article through the years that compare the Quality of Life (QOL) or coping of straight vs lesbian women with breast cancer, but this study is the first I have seen that breaks it down even further. Speaking only from a perspective of clinical observation, I would be hard pressed to make any statements about differences among groups. Of course, different women process a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment very differently, but I could not generalize about particular groups or populations. The variables have always seemed to be related to the individual and her unique perspectives, resources, and life experiences. Read more... Comments (0)

Birth Control and Fertility Drugs and Breast Cancer

  This is one of those entries that will either have a great deal of interest to you or none at all. There are lots of ongoing questions and concerns about the possible impact of birth control pills and fertility drugs/treatments on breast cancer risk. I have worked with a number of women who had IVF and then breast cancer. Was there a connection? None has been proven, but they surely have wondered and worried. Read more... Comments (0)

The Scar Project

  I was aware of this project but am grateful to Susan Gubar's essay for reminding me about it. No one gets through cancer without scars--some are larger and more visible than others, but we all have them. The Scar Project (http://thescarproject,org) is an astonishing collection of beautiful photographs of young women who have had mastectomies. Its' subtitle, "Breast Cancer is Not a Pink Ribbon" makes me like it even more. Read more... Comments (0)