Having cancer doesn’t mean you are no longer a sexual person. However, treatment for cancer such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy can affect your sexuality. This includes your interest in sex, your ability to give or receive sexual pleasure, how you see yourself and how you think others see you. Some of these effects are temporary while others are permanent. All can be managed or controlled.

This information has been prepared to help you understand and deal with the emotional and physical impact that your cancer and its treatment have on your sexuality. This information is relevant to all women regardless of sexual preference, and whether or not you are in a relationship.

You can check the meaning of any unfamiliar medical terms in the glossary.

• How cancer can affect your sexuality
• Resuming sexual activity
• How your body responds sexually
• Treatment and sexuality
• Coping with sexual problems
• Seeking support
• Information checklist
• What does this word mean?

Download

• Sexuality for Women with Cancer [Size: 553KB]
  A guide for women with cancer, their families and friends.

Request a booklet

For a free printed copy of Sexuality for Women with Cancer please call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20

Editorial Policy

Read the editorial policy for the Understanding Cancer series.

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