#CulturalBarriers

A recent call by leading oncologists highlights an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care: the unaddressed and persistent sexual side effects experienced by many survivors, particularly women. Despite advances in cancer treatment and survival rates, distressing symptoms such as chronic vaginal pain and painful intercourse continue to affect the quality of life for thousands, including those whose cancers are considered imminently curable. This troubling issue has come into new focus following a commentary in The Guardian by a prominent oncologist, who detailed the story of a patient whose curable cancer left her suffering years of sexual pain due to lack of adequate aftercare and frank communication.