Sex and intimacy are ‘major concerns’ for people living with cancer – why regaining sexual wellness matters

Cancer can impact a person’s life in many ways, including sexual function and confidence.

Intimacy and wellbeing are closely linked (Alamy/PA)

Almost 23% of people living with cancer in the UK are concerned about their sex lives or romantic relationships, a charity suggests.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, who released the research as part of a new partnership with sexual wellness brand Lovehoney, 62% are struggling with the physical effects of treatment on their ability to be intimate, 34% feel their confidence has been affected, and 29% feel insecure about their appearance or desirability due to cancer.

Furthermore, 28% of people living with cancer who are in relationships and have serious sex or fertility concerns, fear it could make them grow distant from their partner.

With many people “suffering in silence” about these issues, the charity wants to help break the taboo and encourage more open conversation.

“We know that for many, sex and intimacy following a diagnosis is a huge concern and thousands of people with cancer are suffering in silence, causing a huge amount of stress and anxiety,” said Tracey Palmer, Macmillan information and support manager at Whittington Health NHS Trust.

“We need to start talking more about sex and the very real impact cancer can have on people’s sexual wellbeing and relationships. We know that many people find it hard to raise these issues with their partner or people close to them, and that’s where we can come in.”

The data showed that only 39% of people who actually want support around sex, intimacy and fertility concerns have actually been supported, which leaves thousands trying to navigate these issues on their own.

So, how can cancer affect intimacy and sexual wellness, and why is it important to get support?

Cancer can have a huge impact

According to Dr Hannah Tharmalingam, national clinical adviser at Macmillan, cancer and cancer treatment can have a huge impact on sexual wellbeing.

“It can affect confidence and body image, cause changes to how the body works or looks, and have a knock-on effect on fertility and personal relationships,” said Tharmalingam.

“Many changes caused by cancer treatment are temporary, and some people will find their sex life goes back to the way it was before they were diagnosed. For others, these issues can last a long time after they are treated, or perhaps even be permanent.”

Treatment side-effects can vary

The impact on individuals may also vary depending on the type of cancer and treatment they have.

“Hormonal changes are particularly common for people who experience breast cancer, prostate cancer and gynaecological cancers. Side-effects can include being put into medical menopause, which can lead to changes in sexual function, including vaginal dryness,” Tharmalingam added.

“Surgical treatment can significantly impact your sex life. This can include surgery to the vagina, anus or head and neck, mastectomies, stomas and nerve damage, and radiotherapy to the pelvic area can affect the tissue in the sexual organs.

“If you are having treatment for gynaecological, bowel, or bladder cancers, you may have late effects. These are side-effects that sometimes occur years/decades after treatment – so much so that people don’t realise the sexual issues they have can be related to their previous cancer.”

Body image can play a big part

Tharmalingam says cancer can also affect appearance for some people, from body parts being surgically removed to hair loss and skin changes, all of which can impact how someone feels about intimacy. ​

“Cancer often puts a huge amount of stress on the person diagnosed and those around them. It can impact mental health and fundamentally change relationship dynamics,” she explained.

Breaking the silence

Raising awareness and opening up the conversation and avenues to support are key.

Tharmalingam said: “We know that issues around sex, relationships and cancer are major concerns for many people with cancer and their partners, with many struggling with issues like hugely reduced self-confidence and serious worries about romantic relationships – but these issues aren’t being spoken about enough, or people aren’t being offered enough support.

“Through this campaign, we want to encourage more people to get talking about these issues to break down the taboos, so more people with cancer feel empowered to open up about concerns they have and access the support they need.

“We also want cancer professionals to feel well-equipped and confident to answer questions and broach the topic of sex and relationships with their patients, as we know this can sometimes be overlooked when focusing on other parts of a patient’s diagnosis and treatment.”

Asking for support

Tharmalingam understands it can be difficult for some people to start a conversation about sex with their healthcare team.

“People may feel uncomfortable talking about something so personal. But it is important to get the right information when you need it. You can ask your healthcare team about anything before, during or after cancer treatment,” Tharmalingam said.

“If your sexual wellbeing has been affected by your cancer diagnosis or treatment, talk to your GP, cancer doctor or specialist nurse, or your local sexual health service.”