Addressing sexual dysfunction in colorectal cancer survivorship care

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common long-term effects of colorectal cancer treatment, yet studies consistently show that this issue is rarely discussed among patients and their providers (1). Colorectal cancer survivorship has increased significantly in recent years due to advances in surgical techniques and adjuvant therapy, and the majority of colorectal patients will become long-term cancer survivors (2). Increasing survival rates in colorectal cancer have shifted the focus of patient health care needs from treating malignancies to addressing survivors’ long-term quality of life, which includes sexual functioning (1). When sexual issues are not addressed, it can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life of survivors (3). To improve the quality of survivorship care in colorectal cancer, the sexual health needs of patients require assessment and treatment at all stages of care (4-6)