Sexual Health Recovery For Prostate Cancer Survivors: The Proposed Role Of Acceptance And Mindfulness-Based Interventions

INTRODUCTION: 1 in every 7 Canadian men is affected by prostate cancer. Given impressive advances in detection, treatment, and survival rates, there is a considerable focus on survivors' supportive care needs. Among the top unmet supportive care needs for prostate cancer survivors are concerns related to sexual health and intimacy. AIM: To provide a rationale for introducing mindfulness- and acceptance-based approaches into the role of psychosexual interventions aimed at improving sexual satisfaction among prostate cancer survivors (and their partners). METHODS: A literature review was performed to examine the prevalence of sexual difficulties after prostate cancer treatment and the efficacy of current pharmacologic and psychological treatment approaches. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measure was focused on sexual satisfaction in prostate cancer survivors. RESULTS: Current pharmacologic interventions for sexual difficulties after prostate cancer treatment are not fully meeting the needs of prostate cancer survivors and their partners. Conclusions cannot be drawn from existing psychological interventions because of methodologic inconsistencies. Additionally, the focus on erectile function as a measure of treatment effectiveness is likely to instill a greater sense of hopelessness and loss for prostate cancer survivors, which may exacerbate issues around sexual intimacy and satisfaction. An impressive body of evidence supports the role of mindfulness in improving women's sexual functioning and there is preliminary evidence suggesting the efficacy of this approach for improving men's sexual functioning. CONCLUSION: We propose that psychosexual interventions that prioritize mindfulness and acceptance-based frameworks may help men to tune into sensations while challenging the foci on performance and erections, thereby increasing the potential for improvement to sexual satisfaction among prostate cancer survivors. Bossio JA, Miller F, O'Loughlin JI, et al. Sexual Health Recovery for Prostate Cancer Survivors: The Proposed Role of Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:627-635.