Figuring out sex in a reconfigured body: Experiences of female colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies

Michelle Ramirez, Carmit McMullen, Marcia Grant, Andrea Altschuler, Mark C. Hornbrook, Robert S. Krouse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies can face complex concerns regarding sexuality. We used an anthropological perspective to examine the experiences of 30 female colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies to shed light on the sexual challenges and adaptations made in the wake ofcancer surgery and treatment. Participants fell into four categories with regard to their sexual experience post surgery; however, not all women found their altered sexuality to be particularly problematic. This type of phenomenological examination can inform a more patient-centered, less biomedically focused paradigm for assessing and improving the sexual health ofcancer survivors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)608-624
Number of pages17
JournalWomen and Health
Volume49
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Lifecourse
  • Quality of life
  • Sexuality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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