Accounting for Sexual Issues Related to Cancer

Authors Irene Kelder, Petra Sneijder, Annette Klarenbeek, Tessa Roseboom, Ellen Laan
Published in European Journal of Health Communication
Publication date 2023
Research groups Communication in Digital Transition
Type Article

Summary

Cancer and its treatments cause significant changes in sexuality that affect the quality of life of both patients and their partners. As these issues are not always discussed with healthcare professionals, cancer patients turn to online health communities to find answers to questions or for emotional support pertaining to sexual issues. By using a discursive psychological perspective, we explore the social actions that participants in online health forums perform when discussing sexuality. Data were collected by entering search terms in the search bars of three online health forums. Our analysis of 213 threads, containing 1,275 posts, provides insight into how participants who present themselves as women with cancer account for their sexual issues and, in doing so, orient to two intertwined norms: Having untroubled sex is part of a couple’s relationship, and male partners are entitled to having untroubled sex. We discuss the potential harmful consequences of orienting to norms related to sexual behaviour. Yet, our findings can also help healthcare professionals in broaching the topic of sexuality in conversations with cancer patients. The insights of this study into what female patients themselves treat as relevant can assist health professionals in better aligning with patients’ interactional concerns.

On this publication contributed

  • Irene Kelder | Researcher | Research group Behaviour & Conversation in digital transition
    Irene Kelder
    • Researcher
    • Research group: Communication in Digital Transition
  • Annette Klarenbeek
    • Professor
    • Research group: Communication in Digital Transition

Language English
Published in European Journal of Health Communication
Year and volume 4 2
Key words online health forums, cancer patient, discursive psychology, sexuality, sexual health
Digital Object Identifier 10.47368/ejhc.2023.201
Page range 1-22

Irene Kelder

Irene Kelder | Researcher | Research group Behaviour & Conversation in digital transition

Irene Kelder

  • Researcher
  • Research group: Communication in Digital Transition