HETEROSEXUAL CHINESE WOMENS SEXUAL ADJUSTMENT AFTER GYNECOLOGIC CANCER

Studies on the sexual adjustment of Hong Kong Chinese women who have g ynecologic cancer are reviewed. The findings suggest that sexual belie fs based on the Confucian and Taoist traditions still prevail in conte mporary Chinese societies and influence Chinese sexual attitudes and b ehavior. Chinese women show decreased sexual activities, interest, dri ve, and satisfaction after gynecologic cancer and its treatment. The s exual morbidity rates are around 30-50% but marital relationships are minimally affected. We recommend that researchers examine the impact o f cultural factors to clarify how women from different cultures experi ence gynecologic cancer and its treatment.