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

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Almost 23% of people living with cancer within the UK are involved about their intercourse lives or romantic relationships, a charity suggests.

According to Macmillan Cancer Support, who performed the analysis in partnership with sexual wellness model Lovehoney, 62% are struggling with the bodily results of remedy on their capacity to be intimate, 34% really feel their confidence has been affected, and 29% really feel insecure about their look or desirability as a result of cancer.

Furthermore, 28% of people living with cancer who are in relationships and have critical intercourse or fertility considerations, concern it might make them develop distant from their accomplice.

With many people “suffering in silence” about these points, the charity needs to assist break the taboo and encourage extra open dialog.

“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,” stated Tracey Palmer, Macmillan data and assist supervisor 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 knowledge confirmed that solely 39% of people who really need assist round intercourse, intimacy and fertility considerations have really been supported, which leaves 1000’s making an attempt to navigate these points on their very own.

So, how can cancer have an effect on intimacy and sexual wellness, and why is it essential to get assist?

Cancer can have a huge effect

According to Dr Hannah Tharmalingam, nationwide scientific adviser at Macmillan, cancer and cancer remedy can have a huge effect 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,” stated 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 range

The influence on people can also range relying on the kind of cancer and remedy they’ve.

“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 picture can play an enormous half

Tharmalingam says cancer also can have an effect on look for some people, from physique elements being surgically eliminated to hair loss and pores and skin adjustments, all of which might influence how somebody 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 defined.

Breaking the silence

Raising consciousness and opening up the dialog and avenues to assist are key.

Tharmalingam stated: “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 assist

Tharmalingam understands it may be troublesome for some people to begin a dialog about intercourse with their healthcare staff.

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 stated.

“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.”

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