Supportive Care

A Workshop for Educating Nurses to Address Sexual Health in Patients With Breast Cancer

Andrea Smith

Roberta H. Baron

breast cancer, sexual health, sexual side effects, role playing, communication strategies
CJON 2015, 19(3), 248-250. DOI: 10.1188/15.CJON.248-250

Breast cancer is associated with significant sexual side effects. However, nurses and other healthcare providers are often reluctant to initiate a discussion about sexual health with their patients because of numerous barriers, including knowledge, time, and confidence. This article describes the development and implementation of a sexual health workshop for oncology nurses intended to increase their knowledge about common sexual side effects in patients with breast cancer, strengthen their confidence in addressing sexual health, and provide them with tools and resources to educate their patients.

At a Glance

  • Sexual health should be an integral component of patient assessment and education.
  • Nurses should review management strategies and address common sexual side effects related to the disease and its treatment with their patients.
  • To increase knowledge and confidence, nurses should practice the communication strategies and review the content and resources provided in the workshop.
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