Sexuality & cancer

Thursday 31 January, 2008

Front cover of our sexuality and cancer booklet

This information has been reviewed by:
Dr Amanda Hordern, PhD, & Doreen Akkerman, AM  

This information is from our sexuality and cancer booklet (download below), which was prepared to help you understand how cancer and its treatment may affect your sexuality, and to help to rebuild your sexual confidence. See also our free sexuality and cancer workshops.

Sexuality is about who you are, how you see yourself, how you express yourself sexually and your sexual feelings for others. It is much more than just sexual intercourse.

Having cancer doesn't mean you are no longer a sexual person, though it can change your usual sexual habits, desire and the way you feel about yourself. These changes may be temporary or longer lasting.

We hope this booklet makes it easier for you to talk with your partner, doctors and nurses about any problems.

This should be helpful whether you are with someone or single, gay or straight, young or old. Feel free to read only the sections that are relevant to you. Partners may also find it useful.

Some of the pictures may be a little confronting for some people; they are to help people find suitable lovemaking positions when their bodies have been affected by cancer or its treatment.

The trained counsellors at the Cancer Council's Cancer Council Helpline will listen to your concerns confidentially. Phone 13 11 20.