NCUK Virtual Patient Handbook

Whether we are in a steady relationship, enjoy casual sex or are single, most of us have sexual needs and desires. While you can still have an intimate relationship, in spite of cancer, how you feel about your body - or your partner’s - may be altered by a diagnosis of cancer. When discussing intimacy and sex with current, or new, partners, it is important to both listen and be heard, co-operation and consent are important in maintaining a healthy, consensual, relationship. Being able to talk about what works for you, what doesn’t and what may have changed can help - especially if there is a particular part of your body that is sensitive after treatment or that may cause you discomfort if looked at or touched. Partners may have concerns about causing you pain or discomfort, they may be hesitant about instigating sex - especially if you have not been intimate for a while (whether days, weeks or months) - others may not fully understand how your diagnosis / treatments may make you feel, physically / emotionally. Talking through the impact cancer / it’s treatment(s) may have had on both of you, may also help.

Click here to read Sue’s story: ‘Who we are before a cancer diagnosis’

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