A new focus in cancer care is highlighting an often neglected area: sexual health. While treatments advance and survival improves, many patients’ sexual health needs are still overlooked in research and clinical practice. This gap affects quality of life and recovery, underscoring the need for changes in patient care protocols worldwide, including Thailand, where social taboos and limited support persist.
Growing evidence shows sexual health is closely tied to overall physical and emotional well-being. In discussions with clinicians, it’s clear there are substantial gaps in support for sexual health during and after cancer treatment. Surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause sexual dysfunction and changes in body image, adding to the distress of diagnosis.
The issue matters across cancer types, especially for tumors involving reproductive organs such as breast, cervical, ovarian, and prostate cancers, but it also affects many other diagnoses. Patients may experience vaginal dryness, erectile difficulties, reduced libido, or pain during intercourse. Anxiety and depression commonly accompany these issues, yet routine conversations about sexual health are rare in many clinics. A landmark survey reported that more than half of oncology patients have unmet sexual health needs, while only a minority received counseling or intervention.
Experts including oncology psychologists and cancer-nurse specialists are calling for systemic changes in how sexual health is addressed in cancer care. A leading oncology nurse emphasizes that sexual health is a vital part of quality of life; ignoring these needs means not treating the whole person. International guidelines now advocate routine assessment and support for sexual symptoms in cancer care pathways.
Barriers to comprehensive care are complex. Many clinicians feel uncomfortable or undertrained addressing sexual topics, and patients may hesitate due to cultural norms or embarrassment. In Thailand, these challenges are heightened by traditional views on sexuality. Local researchers note that embarrassment and social expectations often prevent frank discussions, which can hinder recovery and relationship satisfaction for survivors.
To counter these issues, experts urge stronger training for healthcare providers in discussing sexual health and the establishment of dedicated sexual health services within oncology. Some hospitals globally have integrated care models with sexual counselors as part of multidisciplinary teams, alongside oncologists, psychologists, and nutritionists. In Bangkok, public hospitals are piloting basic sexual health screening during follow-up visits and offering referrals to specialists when needed.
Thai beliefs about sexuality and health influence how patients report symptoms and seek care. Historically, sexual concerns were kept private or managed by traditional practitioners outside formal healthcare. Yet growing recognition shows open, evidence-based information and supportive counseling can improve recovery and life satisfaction for survivors.
Future directions in Thailand and beyond include wider routine sexual health assessments, culturally sensitive educational materials for patients and clinicians, and research into the needs of sexual and gender minority cancer patients, who face higher rates of unmet needs. International studies also highlight the potential of digital resources, telemedicine, and peer support networks to reach Thailand’s diverse urban and rural communities.
Thai readers and families are encouraged to be proactive: patients and loved ones should feel empowered to discuss sexual health with care teams. Providers should foster environments where these conversations are normal and supported. As one oncology psychologist notes, addressing sexual health is about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope after cancer.
The takeaway is clear: sexual health is a fundamental, long-overlooked pillar of cancer recovery. By promoting open dialogue and comprehensive care, Thailand can align with global movements toward truly holistic health for all cancer patients.