Program seeks to address Intimacy issues in women diagnosed with cancer
Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center will host a program entitled Women, Sexuality and Cancer on Mon., Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.
Women, Sexuality and Cancer is a program designed for women diagnosed with cancer and focuses on issues related to body image and emotional and physical adaptations to encourage intimacy with their partner. Certified sex therapist Maria Boccia, PhD, and ob-gyn Alyse Kelly-Jones, MD, both from the Center for Sexual Health & Education will lead discussion for this all-female audience.
There are many aspects of coping with cancer that frequently are discussed, but intimacy is one that does not get much attention. However, the changes are very real. Life-saving treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can cause physical changes in a woman’s body that make intimacy seem unappealing or painful. Such changes can be embarrassing for a woman and can cause emotional strain on her relationship. All too often women suffer in silence because they don’t know where to turn.
“Women don’t realize that there is help for physical problems related to sexual intercourse after cancer,” said Boccia. “There are many simple and effective treatments that yield significant results for the muscle and tissue. The success rate in those receiving treatment is phenomenal.”
Women, Sexuality and Cancer will be held Mon., Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.. Dinner will be served at this free, women’s-only event held at Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center, 242 Colonial Ave., Charlotte, N.C., 28204. To register, call 704-384-5223 or visit www.presbyterian.org/cancercalendar.
Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Cancer Support Center offers a wide range of support for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer including specialized support groups, lending boutique, counseling and financial resource guidance. For more information and a list of special classes and events, visit www.presbyterian.org/buddykemp.