The 30-Second Patient Message – Optional Videos

Sexual Health in Women with Cancer

Learn to recognize and address sexual side effects in women undergoing cancer treatment.
Dr. Robin Faye, GYN & Sexual Health Counselor, explains how cancer treatments can lead to vaginal dryness, pain, decreased libido, and emotional stress. She emphasizes the importance of provider awareness and early intervention.

**Key Points:**

• Common side effects: dryness, painful sex, reduced desire and arousal.
• Menopause symptoms may occur early or be intensified by treatment.
• Effective care includes lubricants, pelvic floor therapy, and safe use of vaginal estrogen.
• Providers should initiate these conversations and offer support.

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Cancer Survivors

Understand the scope of pelvic floor PT and how it can help restore comfort and function.
Dr. Rachael McCall, PT, DPT – Oncology & Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, covers how cancer impacts pelvic floor function, leading to incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction. Describes evaluation and treatment approaches used in pelvic floor PT.

**Key Points:**

• Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause incontinence, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction.
• Evaluation includes internal and external exams.
• Treatment involves mobility work, relaxation, strengthening, and tools like dilators or wands.
• Referral should be made to trained pelvic floor specialists.

Using Vaginal Dilators After Cancer

Learn how to introduce and support safe dilator use in cancer recovery.

Dr. Amanda Olson, PT, DPT – Pelvic Health Specialist & President of Intimate Rose, discusses how dilators help retrain pelvic tissues and reduce pain post-treatment. This video covers safety, protocols, and patient empowerment.

**Key Points:**

• Dilators restore elasticity, reduce pain, and retrain nerves for safe penetration.
• Protocols vary—often 2–3 times/week for 5–30 minutes.
• Particularly useful after radiation, surgery, or hormone changes.
• Must be used with provider guidance to ensure comfort and effectiveness.

Understanding and Managing Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

Recognize early signs of lymphedema and guide patients to appropriate care.

Dr. Rachael McCall, PT, DPT – Certified Lymphedema & Oncology Rehabilitation Therapist, explains how surgery and radiation increase lymphedema risk and outlines its symptoms, stages, and evidence-based treatment.

**Key Points:**

• Lymphedema causes chronic swelling—most common in arms post-breast cancer.
• Early signs: heaviness, tightness, tingling, fatigue in the limb.
• Treatment includes manual drainage, compression, skin care, and exercise.
• Early referral to certified therapists is critical.

Breast Surgery, Body Image, and Sexual Health

Better understand the emotional and physical outcomes of breast surgery to support patient-centered care.

Dr. Christin Collins, Breast Surgical Oncologist, outlines how breast cancer surgery impacts body image, sensation, and sexual health. Highlights the importance of individualized, bias-free conversations.

**Key Points:**

• Surgical effects include changes in shape, sensation, and self-image.
• Reconstruction options include implants and autologous tissue transfer.
• Nipple sensation loss can impact sexual health.
• Use a no-assumptions, bias-aware approach in patient conversations.

**Why Watch:**

• Better understand the emotional and physical outcomes of breast surgery to support patient-centered care.

Addressing Sexual Health in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Gain insight into the sexual health needs of head and neck cancer survivors and learn how to support their recovery with empathy, education, and referrals.

Casey Fazer-Posorske, PA – Mayo Clinic, Medical Oncology, outlines how head and neck cancer treatments—including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy—impact sexual health, body image, and communication. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges openly and compassionately with patients and partners.

**Key Points:**

• Common long-term effects: dry mouth, pain, altered appearance, tracheostomy/feeding tubes, speech changes, and hormonal shifts.
• Sexual health challenges stem from physical changes, body image concerns, and communication barriers.
• HPV is now a leading cause of head and neck cancer; patients may need support understanding its role and implications.
• A multidisciplinary team—including speech therapists, sex therapists, and psychosocial support—is critical.