[Oncosexology--sex therapy for cancer patients].

In recent years, cancer, the main cause of patients' mortality in the western world, is turning into a chronic disease with increasing survivor rates, following advances in treatment methods. The disease and its therapies have a negative effect on the patient's quality of life and that of his or her partner and other family members. Cancer and its associated treatments [chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical procedures] lead to a decline in the patients' level of physiological as well as psychological functioning and have a negative impact on their ability to maintain intimacy and healthy sex life with their partners. Sexual dysfunctions are identified among the majority of oncology patients, particularly those with gynecological and urological cancers. Although sexual problems are common among cancer patients, very little professional and therapeutic attention is provided to them. More so, the patients themselves are usually not aware of and do not receive adequate information regarding their sexual difficulties and about possible treatments. The oncosexology intervention system encompasses a team of interdisciplinary professionals (medical doctors, psychologists, social workers, couple therapists and sexologists, oncology nurses etc), together providing cancer patients and their partners with up-to-date information and adequate therapy focusing on their sexual and relational needs. There is currently a need to increase awareness and provide professional training in the field of oncosexology to medical doctors, nurses and other professional working with cancer patients in order for them to support their clients and improve their quality of life.

Education and Training: Key Factors in Global Occupational and Environmental Health.

INTRODUCTION: Education and training in Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH) play an important role in building global capacity and contribute to safer working conditions. The shortage of occupational health professionals, the lack of knowledge and a high number of occupational accidents and diseases stress the demand for providing further education and training in OEH. This need is especially urgent in low and middle-income countries. Three international courses on OEH provide valuable insights on how to develop successful trainings in the field and how to contribute to the creation of healthy and safe workplaces. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: The courses "Global Occupational and Environmental Determinants of Diseases: a multidisciplinary and multicultural approach for prevention" (University of Brescia, Italy), "Advanced International Training Course in OEH" (Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand) and "Teaching interventions crossing borders" (Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität, Munich, Germany) offer a unique networking opportunity for health professionals from low-, middle- and high-income countries. Three main characteristics of learning were identified as successful for adult learning in OEH: Interdisciplinary learning allows exchanging skills and knowledge and therefore closes gaps between the several disciplines within OEH. Experiential learning enables participants to reflect on their personal experiences, e.g. through workplace visits. Finally, active learning empowers the learner to take the leading role in the learning process using e.g. problem- or project-based learning approaches. CONCLUSION: Training and education in OEH should become a higher priority by including it in the standard public health and medical curricula. For this, train the trainer approaches are essential in many countries. Any OEH training should follow the interdisciplinary, experiential and interactive learning approach and should be accessible to participants from all regions.