Many people notice that their interest in sex decreases as a result of cancer or its treatment. People can also lose interest in sex if they are depressed. People are often reluctant to talk about this very intimate area of their lives, but it can help to talk through how you feel with your partner. Explaining that your lack of interest is not a sign of lack of affection or respect for them, may help you both feel more secure.

Cancer and its treatments can affect your sexual identity. Surgery such as mastectomy (removal of a breast), orchidectomy (removal of a testicle) or colostomy (bringing the end of the bowel out onto the skin of the abdomen) can have a big effect on the way that you feel about your body.

Other aspects of treatment, such as hair loss and having a long-term tube (line) to give chemotherapy, can also make people feel sexually unattractive. These are all very natural and understandable feelings, and if you are having trouble coping, you may find it helpful to discuss your feelings with a trained counsellor.

If you have a specific problem, you can talk things through with your GP, who may be able to offer help. Your cancer specialist or specialist nurse can also discuss this with you. If you’d feel more comfortable talking to someone over the phone you can speak to our nurses. Some cancer treatments and antidepressants can cause sexual problems. Changing to a different medicine may return things to normal.

Our section on sexuality and cancer may be helpful.