Men are very sexual creatures, and most men will still continue to be interested in the intimacy and enjoyment that a healthy sex life can produce. Having a satisfying sex life can produce many benefits for overall health.
If you enjoyed a healthy sex life before starting treatment, chances are you’ll still find pleasure in physical intimacy during your treatment. You may find that intimacy takes on a new meaning and you relate to your partner differently. Hugging, touching, holding, and cuddling may become more important, while sex may become less important.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 15 million people in the United States were living with cancer last year. And about 46% of them have sexual problems because of cancer and cancer treatment.
On top of that, more than 161,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, representing 19% of new cases. Lung and bronchus (air passages of the lungs) cancer comes in next, with almost 117,000 new cases expected (14% of new cancer diagnoses). Colon and rectal cancer ranks third, with over 71,000 cases (9% of new diagnoses).
Fortunately, survival rates have increased over the years. In 1975, only 68% of men with prostate cancer survived for five years. In 2012, the rate increased to 99%. Five-year survival rates for colon cancer rose from 50% to 66% during that same time period.
Higher survival rates are good news. But with that good news comes adjustments. For sexual relationships, there can be challenges. In fact, of those 15 million people mentioned above, about 46% have sexual problems due either to cancer or the treatment of cancer.