JCO - Editorial: Caring for the Whole Patient: The Science of Psychosocial Care

open access: Editorial (special series) Caring for the Whole Patient: The Science of Psychosocial Care

"This Journal of Clinical Oncology Special Series relates to the
science of psychosocial care. This series is designed to provide oncology
professionals with the most recent information about the psychological,
psychiatric, and social aspects of cancer care. The emergence of
the field of psychosocial care reflects growing public and professional
awareness of the potential for cancer and its treatment to have profound
effects on many aspects of life. A principal goal of psychosocial
care is to recognizeandaddress the effects that cancerandits treatment
have on the mental status and emotional well-being of patients, their
family members, and their professional caregivers....."

abstract: From "Sex Toy" to Intrusive Imposition: A Qualitative Examination of Women's Experiences with Vaginal Dilator Use Following Treatment for Gynecological Cancer.

 Abstract

Introduction.  Regular use of vaginal dilators has been recommended as a prophylactic measure following radiation treatment for gynecological cancer....
Aim.  To investigate women's experiences with the vaginal dilator and to understand the psychosocial factors that influence women's adoption of rehabilitative dilator use.
Results. The analysis resulted in five main categories underlying the core category of "From 'Sex Toy' to Intrusive Imposition." These were: (i) embarrassing sex toy; (ii) reliving the invasion of treatment; (iii) aversive "hands-on" experience; (iv) not at the forefront of my recovery; and (v) minimizing the resistance.

Conclusions.  Rehabilitative vaginal dilator use is a complex, multifaceted, and personal phenomenon that carries deep psychological and emotional implications that make it intrusive.