Cancer is Not Sexy! Supporting Cancer Survivors’ Journeys to Bring Sexy Back

$50.00

Presented by Laurie Bonjo, PhD, NCC, CSC

Friday, February 21, 2025

8am-10am PT / 10am-12pm CT / 11am-1pm ET

Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.

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.

Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration. 

This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 2.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, or 2.0 NBCC Clock Hours*. (*NBCC Clock Hours are available for live program attendance only.)

Click here to view full course information.


Disclaimer for all sessions: Courses may take up to one hour to populate in “My Courses” after purchase. Purchase of a session within one hour of a program start time may not guarantee access to the live session. We strongly encourage registering as early as possible to ensure live session and Zoom link access.

Description

Presented by Laurie Bonjo, PhD, NCC, CSC

Friday, February 21, 2025

8am-10am PT / 10am-12pm CT / 11am-1pm ET

Event held online via Zoom, link to access provided upon registration.

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.

Zoom link will be available on course page in “My Courses” upon event registration. 

This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.0 CEs for Psychologists, 2.0 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, 2.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 2.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists, or 2.0 NBCC Clock Hours*. (*NBCC Clock Hours are available for live program attendance only.)

Click here to view full course information.


Disclaimer for all sessions: Courses may take up to one hour to populate in “My Courses” after purchase. Purchase of a session within one hour of a program start time may not guarantee access to the live session. We strongly encourage registering as early as possible to ensure live session and Zoom link access.