Centre for Health Research

Sexuality and Intimacy after Cancer Project 

Sexuality and intimacy are key aspects of an individual’s quality of life and these can be detrimentally affected by cancer. Significant proportions of people with cancer and their partners report that physical intimacy and sexual contact stops or is reduced after cancer, resulting in considerable distress. However, sexuality is rarely addressed by health professionals, and remains largely invisible within policy and practice guidelines developed to improve the quality of life of people with cancer and their partners. 

Professor Jane Ussher, Associate Professor Janette Perz and Dr Emilee Gilbert are working closely with policy makers, health professionals, cancer patients and the community through partner organisations Cancer Council NSW, National Breast Cancer Foundation, and Westmead and Nepean Hospitals to examine the nature and consequences of changes to sexuality and intimacy post-cancer.

To take part in this project, or for further information, refer to the Sexuality and Intimacy after Cancer Project Information. 

Self-Help Guide

The project team have also developed a self-help guide for people diagnosed with cancer or recovering from it, as well as their partners. The booklet explores changes to sexuality and intimacy that may occur because of cancer and its treatment, with suggestions for strategies to deal with the changes. Download theSexuality, Intimacy and Cancer Self-Help Guide [PDF, 3.1MB] (opens in a new window).