Can Head and Neck Cancers Affect a Person’s Sexuality?

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While head and neck cancers do not affect the sexual organs, they are still associated with sexual problems.

The phrase head and neck cancers is actually an umbrella term for several types of cancer that attack areas in the head and neck. Some examples include the following:

Oral cavity (mouth, lips, part of the tongue, the hard palate)
Pharynx (the throat)
Larynx (the “voicebox” – the area that contains the vocal cords)
Sinuses and nasal cavity
Salivary glands

Treatment for head and neck cancer depends on the cancer type. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are all treatment possibilities.

Head and neck cancer survivors often struggle with body image and feel self-conscious about their appearance. They may have surgical scars, tooth loss, or a stoma (an opening in the throat. Such a hole may be created when the larynx is removed). Lymphedema (when lymph fluid accumulates under the skin) can cause swelling in the head and neck.

Side effects like these can make survivors feel less attractive to a sexual partner.

Socializing and dating can be challenging, too, as some activities others take for granted – like speaking, eating, swallowing, and hearing – can become difficult. People may need to learn to speak again by using an electrolarynx, a battery-operated device. Sores can develop in the mouth and make eating uncomfortable. Some patients develop hearing loss.

As a result, survivors might feel anxious about certain aspects of dating, like dining in restaurants and having social conversations.

Kissing may also become problematic. Treatment may damage the salivary glands, leaving patients with chronic dry mouth.

Taken together, these side effects may leave patients feeling depressed and anxious. Fatigue, chronic pain, and feeling generally ill can all take a toll and reduce a person’s interest in sex.

Fortunately, there are steps head and neck cancer survivors can take to alleviate some of these symptoms. For example, people with dry mouth might use a saliva replacement. Massage and exercise might reduce swelling from lymphedema. Some patients have further surgery to rebuild the mouth and make eating easier. Prosthetics may boost a person’s body image.

Survivors with concerns about sexuality shouldn’t hesitate to talk to their cancer care team. Healthcare providers can often recommend products and therapies. They may also refer patients to counselors and sex therapists who can help with a variety of issues.

Patients might also benefit from joining support groups or connecting with other survivors who have been in similar situations.

Research published in 2018 shed some light on the sexuality of head and neck cancer survivors. Scientists found that after 6 weeks of (chemo)radiotherapy treatment, about two-thirds of the 354 study participants developed sexual problems. However, many patients saw their symptoms improve by a 12-month follow-up point. Learn more about this study here.

Resources

American Cancer Society

“Living as an Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivor”

(Last revised: March 9, 2018)

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html

CancerNetwork.com

Smith, Lori

“How Does Treatment Affect the Sexuality of Head and Neck Cancer Patients?”

(August 27, 2018)

http://www.cancernetwork.com/patient-care/how-does-treatment-affect-sexuality-head-and-neck-cancer-patients

Cancer Research UK

“Learning to speak again”