Bethany Rhoten, PhD, RN, associate professor at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, discusses sexuality after treatment of head and neck cancer and how healthcare providers can help their patients communicate quality of life issues. 

In a small qualitative study with 11 head and neck cancer survivors, Rhoten found that specific functional deficits inhibited sexual activity. 

This needs to be addressed by healthcare providers, Rhoten says, because patients want to resume a normal sex life after treatment.

Rhoten adds that if a clinician feels that quality of life issues are important, patients will be more likely to open up about their issues. 

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Bethany Rhoten on Sexuality After Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Bethany Rhoten, PhD, RN, associate professor at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, discusses the lack of interventions for people with head and neck cancer and gives advice to patients experiencing issues with body image or sexuality.

There is little research on interventions for people with head and neck cancer, which would need to encompass issues such as facial disfigurement, head, neck, and shoulder dysfunction, and psychosocial issues. The lack of intervention development represents an area that needs advancement, Rhoten says.

While curing the cancer is the main priority, Rhoten adds that it’s also important to talk to healthcare providers about body image and sexuality issues in order to maintain good quality of life.

Bethany Rhoten, PhD, RN, associate professor at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, discusses the lack of interventions for people with head and neck cancer and gives advice to patients experiencing issues with body image or sexuality. 

Bethany Rhoten on Lack of Interventions for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Bethany Rhoten, PhD, RN, associate professor at Vanderbilt School of Nursing, discusses body image issues in patients with head and neck cancer.

Treatment of head and neck cancer can result in significant disfigurement issues and physical dysfunction including visible incisions, facial asymmetry, altered expression, and impairment of face or neck mobility.

Through her research, Rhoten found that body image tends to be poorer in the months following treatment. Any intervention that may be developed will be targeted toward patients who are less able to cope with such issues.

Bethany Rhoten, PhD, RN

Articles

Bethany Rhoten on Sexuality After Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Bethany Rhoten on Lack of Interventions for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

Bethany Rhoten on Body Image Issues in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer