Sexuality and intimacy

Helpful information if you think your intimate relationships may have been affected by a cancer diagnosis, or following treatment.

Sexuality and intimacy after cancer
Wendy Vanselow/Counterpart (AUS, 2022)
This presentation explains the support available to manage side effects and emotions after changes in your sexual function following a cancer diagnosis.
(webinar)

Love in the time of cancer: self-esteem, intimacy, sexuality after an ovarian cancer diagnosis
Ovarian Cancer Australia (AUS, 2018)
Dr Haryana Dhillon is joined by Nadia and Maureen who have each had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in the past. They discuss challenges around relationships, body image and self esteem, and the impact these can have on quality of life following diagnosis. They emphasise that you are not alone, and help is available for you as an individual or as a couple.
 (webinar)

Sexual health and wellbeing after cancer
Vicki Windholz/Counterpart (AUS, 2021)
Presenter, Dr Vicki Windholz, a psychosexual medicine specialist, looks at practical strategies to communicate well about sexuality, to build sexual confidence and enhance intimate relationships.
(webinar)

The thing about cancer. Episode 2: Sex and cancer
Cancer Council New South Wales (AUS, 2017)
In this podcast, Julie McCrossin and Professor Jane Usher talk about how cancer can affect sex and intimacy.
 (podcast)

Sexuality and intimacy
Cancer Council Victoria (AUS, 2019)
Page discussing how sexuality and intimacy can be affected by the physical and emotional effects of cancer and cancer treatment.
 (web)

Sexuality, intimacy and cancer
Cancer Council Australia (AUS, 2019)
This booklet aims to help people with cancer and their partners understand how and why their diagnosis and treatment may affect sexuality and intimacy. Includes key questions to ask your treating team, tips on resuming sexual activity and overcoming specific challenges.
  (84-page booklet is available to download [425KB], or in hard copy)

Intimacy and sexuality for women with gynaecological cancer: starting a conversation
Cancer Australia (AUS, 2012)
This resource supports women and their partners to understand the effects of gynaecological cancer and treatment on sexuality and intimacy. The resource acknowledges that many people find it difficult to talk about these issues, and provides tips and suggested questions for raising the topic with your treating team. Includes of suggestions on where to go for more information and support.
  (A4 fold-out resource is available to download, or in hard copy)

Being OK…being you: a guide for young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and have cancer
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (AUS, 2019)
The content is based on interviews with young people who have had a cancer diagnosis and identify as LGBTIQ+, or are still working out their sexuality and gender identity.
  (PDF 58-page booklet)

Switchboard
(VIC)
Switchboard is a free service for LGBTQIA+ identifying people with questions or concerns about LGBTQIA+ issues. It offers telephone and web counselling, information and referral. Note that Switchboard does not offer services specifically for people who have had an experience of cancer. For other states of Australia, please contact QLife.
 (support service)

Living with gynaecological cancer: part 3.3: Intimate and sexual relationships
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (AUS, 2013)
Two women discuss the impact of cancer on sexuality and intimacy in their relationships. Includes comments from a gynaecological cancer nurse and social worker. YouTube sometimes suggests other videos on similar topics. Please be aware that those videos have not been reviewed for the Navigator and may not be reputable.
 (YouTube video)

Sex and late effects of pelvic radiotherapy
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK, 2021)
Explanation of the short-term effects that might be experienced by some people following radiotherapy treatment to their pelvic region. Please remember that as this is a UK-based website, the support links are not available to Australians.
 (web)

Relationships: challenges for partners
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (AUS, 2013)
Partners of women with gynaecological cancer explain how they have managed changes to their relationship since the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Also includes comments from gynaecological cancer nurse and social worker. YouTube sometimes suggests other videos on similar topics. Please be aware that those videos have not been reviewed for the Navigator and may not be reputable.
(YouTube video)

Impact of diagnosis on partners
Cancer Australia (AUS)
Short explanation of how a partner might be impacted by the cancer diagnosis and treatment, and why counselling might be valuable for them too.
(web)