Sexuality and Intimacy at the End of Life

Although cancer survival numbers are rising, many cancer patients will sooner or later have to face an inevitable death. For incurable cancers, the trajectory toward death typically is one of steady progression followed by a short period of evident functional decline, with most reduction in performance status, weight loss, and impaired ability for self-care occurring in the last few months of life [1]. This chapter addresses aspects of sexuality and intimacy at this end-of-life phase.