More than 50 per cent of people who survive common cancers experience sexual problems as a result of their disease, says the Cancer Society.
A spokeswoman for the Wellington division, Fiona Pearson, said there were no clear roles or responsibilities within the health profession about discussing the effect of cancer on sexuality.
The issue was often ignored, because surgeons believed GPs had addressed it, GPs thought nurses would discuss it, but few health professionals had the training to help patients deal with the sensitive issue, Ms Pearson said.
The society will this month introduce an Australian-developed training package designed to improve the quality of care and support provided by health professionals.
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