The meaning of death and sex to cancer patients

A study of att's of cancer patients towards sex & death, based upon an examination of the relevant literature. Cancer does not produce a single reaction but a series of emotional responses to (1) the onset of symptoms; (2) the diagnosis; (3) hosp'ization & surgery; & (4) convalescence. The meaning of sex to the cancer patient is studied through: (a) mastectomy (M. Bard's survey of 20 women found that reactions were largely determined by marital situation before the operation); (b) hysterectomy (surveys by M. G. Drellich, I. Bieber & A. M. Sutherland showed that surgical menopause effected by hysteroctomy does not, in itself, decrease sexual desire & functioning; disturbances of sexuality occur through psychol'al rather than physiological factors); (c) orchiectomy (S. E. Waxenberg's study of 25 patients showed that this operation, which usually takes place with older patients, produces fewer unsettling effects); (d) resection of the rectum (A. M. Sutherland's study of 29 M patients showed that sexual reactions varied but were usually negative; & (e) hypophysectomy (author's study of enced sexual gratification prior to surgery). Att's to death usually assumed a sequence of shock & acceptance. A Bibliog of 18 items. I Langnas.