Lorraine recently had the opportunity to meet Chiara Acquati, Chair in Clinical Sexual Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School, to discuss psychosexual care for individuals and couples affected by cancer, particularly prostate cancer patients. The conversation explored the challenges, gaps, and opportunities in this often-overlooked area of healthcare.

Chiara explained that sexual health is frequently deprioritised during cancer care. Many healthcare professionals lack training or feel uncomfortable addressing sexual health concerns, and patients are navigating overwhelming decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and side effects. Yet sexual well-being is a critical component of informed treatment decisions, helping patients understand potential impacts on fertility, relationships, and overall quality of life. Early and ongoing conversations with trained specialists can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The discussion highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary, person-centered care. Chiara described her institute’s approach, which brings together psychologists, social workers, family therapists, and physicians to provide comprehensive support. Patients can access tailored programs addressing relationship and sexual concerns, compulsive sexual behavior, and gender-related issues. The institute also provides outpatient care, research, training, and community connections, creating a structured system to guide patients through their cancer journey while ensuring trust, safety, and individualised attention.

Lorraine reflected on the UK context, noting that similar specialist support is limited, and emphasized the importance of teamwork to integrate sexual health into cancer care. Both agreed that specialist training and early intervention are crucial, as assumptions about patients’ sexual identity or personal circumstances can prevent meaningful care.

The conversation concluded with a shared perspective: being seen and heard is essential for patients and their partners. By placing sexual health at the center of cancer care, healthcare providers can help patients make decisions aligned with their values and goals, access appropriate support, and ultimately improve their overall experience. Lorraine left the conversation inspired by Chiara’s expertise and vision, feeling confident that continued collaboration and dialogue in this field can lead to meaningful change.