The sexual and intimate consequences of breast cancer treatment.

Confronting the loss of sexual desire, feelings of sexual attractiveness, range of sexual activities, and ability to reproduce is often a seriously neglected area in oncology and a great source of distress for the breast cancer patient. Addressing the problem early in the doctor-patient relationship and simply giving the woman permission to discuss these critical concerns with the person managing her care will do much to reduce some of the anguish that accompanies breast cancer and its treatments.