Vandana Mahajan, Palliative Care Counselor, Patient advocate, Cancer survivor, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Sexuality is often the conversation that never happens – at Lung Connect we broke this silence in this first of its kind webinar.
The Summary of Discussion
1.Stigma and Silence Around Sexuality
- Stigma surrounding sex continues to be one of the major barriers to addressing sexual intimacy in cancer care.
- • There is a lack of safe, designated spaces for patients to discuss such sensitive concerns.
- • Advocacy is essential to break the silence and normalize conversations about sexuality as a basic human need.
2.Gaps in Clinical Training and Practice
- Many clinicians carry personal biases that prevent open dialogue about intimacy with patients.
- Medical education does not adequately prepare clinicians to address sexuality or conduct sensitive conversations.
- Sexual health is often overlooked in non-gynaecological cancers (e.g., lung cancer), despite its relevance to all cancer types.
3. Need for Specialized Support Within the MDT
- A multidisciplinary team should include a dedicated therapist or clinician trained in sexual health and intimacy.
- Nurses can play an important role in having intimate or difficult conversations, improving accessibility for patients.
- Therapists with expertise in cancer-related intimacy issues should be routinely involved.
4. Age-Related Biases and Challenges
- Younger patients, especially unmarried individuals, often fear judgment and struggle with expectations around sexuality.
- Older patients also face bias—clinicians may assume they are uninterested in sexual activity, which leads to unmet needs.
- Dedicated clinics tailored to different age groups could address these differing concerns more effectively.
5. Treatment Side Effects Impacting Intimacy
- Various cancer treatments cause physical and psychological side effects that affect sexuality and intimate relationships.
- Awareness and education about these impacts are crucial for both patients and caregivers.
6. Importance of Human Connection
- AI cannot replace the clinician’s ability to build personal, empathetic rapport.
- Strong therapeutic relationships enable open, sensitive, and supportive communication about sexuality.
7. Inclusive and Holistic Approaches
- Concerns of caregivers are an essential part of the conversation.
- Care spaces must be inclusive and responsive to LGBTQIA+ individuals and their unique needs.
- Many tools, aids, and resources are available to support sexual activity and intimacy, and patients should be made aware of them.
8. Key Myths Identified and facts shared.
An illness like cancer can affect intimacy through physical, emotional, relationship changes, but open communication / supportive healthcare guidance can help patients and partners maintain closeness, dignity, and connection.
It was an honour to moderate this webinar.
Palliative care and sexuality!
He was only 34 and dying of advanced NSCLC, with multiple brain lesions and fading vision in his left eye. He knew he was running out of time, and he often called me—through good days and bad. One of his last calls came when his wife had stepped out. He said, ‘Ma’am, can I ask you something? ‘I encouraged him to speak, and he told me he couldn’t ‘ do it with his wife’ (have intercourse anymore.) ‘Why, ma’am?’ he asked, heartbroken that he could no longer connect with his wife in the way that meant so much to him.
My heart went out to him. I explained that erectile dysfunction is a known side effect of his targeted therapy. I later spoke with his wife and gently guided her toward different ways they could still be intimate and close. Knowing there were other ways to share love gave him comfort—and that brought him a sense of peace in his final days.
When patients lose the ability to express intimacy the way they used to, they often mourn this loss. Acknowledging and supporting this grief validates the person’s humanity.
Palliative care is not only about managing symptoms—it’s about improving life in the time that remains. Supporting sexuality helps with:
- emotional wellbeing
- relationship closeness
- spiritual peace
- acceptance of approaching death
Sexual support at the end of life affirms dignity, strengthens connection, and reduces emotional suffering.
It’s not about ‘sex’—it’s about love, identity, and being human until the very last moment.”
More posts featuring Vandana Mahajan.