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Sex and cancer

Intimacy, Sexuality, Fertility

Sex and sexuality are important parts of everyday life. Some people may experience changes to intimacy and sex during and after cancer treatment. These changes may affect the person with cancer as well as their partners of carers.

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We've collected our favourite resources for you to read, watch, listen to, download and share to better understand and manage this concern, as well as clinical services if you would prefer to speak to someone about the emotional challenges of cancer treatment. 
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Prostate Cancer for LGBTIQA+ people

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION

We recommend this resource because...

A guide on the experience of prostate cancer for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, asexual, and questioning (LGBTIQA+) and have a prostate.

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Understanding Sexual Issues Following Prostate Cancer

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

Information for men and their partners on possible side effects of prostate cancer treatment and how to manage them.

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Sexuality, Intimacy and Cancer Booklet

CANCER COUNCIL

We recommend this resource because...

Questions you want to ask but not sure who to ask? This booklet describes how cancer can affect sexuality and common answers to questions about cancer and intimacy.

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Understanding sexual issues following prostate cancer treatment

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION OF AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

A great resource for men and their partners that provides helpful advice on a range of issues that can affect sexual function before and after prostate cancer treatment.

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Sexuality fact sheet

CANTEEN

We recommend this resource because...

Age appropriate answers to questions most young people ask.

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Be ok...being you: A guide for young people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and have cancer

PETER MACCALLUM CANCER CENTRE

We recommend this resource because...

A guide for young people who identify and LGBTIQ+ and have cancer. Describes lived experiences of other young people with cancer who identify as LGBTIQ+, challenges that come with a diagnosis of cancer and strategies on how to manage and maximise support networks.

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Breast cancer and sexual wellbeing

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

This 28 page booklet discusses how breast cancer treatment affects sexual wellbeing and suggest possible strategies to help manage intimacy issues and promote a fulfilling sexual relationship after breast cancer. It also offers advice to partners on restoring sexual activity with their companion.

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Fertility

CANCER COUNCIL VIC

We recommend this resource because...

A comprehensive 84 page booklet that doesn’t need to be read cover to cover but summarises the implications of cancer treatment on fertility and fertility options after treatment.

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Information for same-sex partners

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

Online resources and support group links for LGBTIQ people seeking health professionals and counselling services.

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Sex and cancer

CANCER COUNCIL NSW

We recommend this resource because...

In this episode Julie McCrossin talks with Professor Jane Ussher about why it’s important to have an open and honest conversation about sex and your doctor and partner (29 minutes). Download and listen on your phone anytime.

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Cancer: It’s out of the closet

CANCER COUNCIL NSW

We recommend this resource because...

Panel of Prof Jane Ussher, Prof Gary Dowsett and Janett Gilbert talking about the experience of the LGBTI community with cancer (1 hour long). Topics include a review of the research, advocacy, prevention and support.

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Fertility Preservation

BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

In this 30 minute video, fertility specialist Kate Stern provides information and advice to help you make decisions about your fertility.

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The Blueprint of Care for teenagers and young adults with cancer, second edition

TEENAGE CANCER TRUST

We recommend this resource because...

Comprehensive document (11 Chapters and 139 pages) relating to young people diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 16-24 in the UK with tried and tested tips and successful approaches to delivery care.

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Sexual health issues for the young adult with cancer

JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT ONCOLOGY

We recommend this resource because...

This review focuses on commonly encountered concerns around the management of symptoms, sexual dysfunction in young men, contraception during and after cancer therapy and psychosocial issues and care.

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Interventions to address sexual problems in people with cancer

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY

We recommend this resource because...

This guideline looked at the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions, psychosocial counselling, or devices to manage sexual problems after cancer treatment and makes recommendations for the management sexual function adverse effects that occur as a result of cancer diagnosis and/or treatment.

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Psychosocial management of AYAs diagnosed with cancer: Guidance for health professionals

CLINICAL ONCOLOGY SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA

We recommend this resource because...

This guideline highlights the importance of identifying and managing any physical or medical issues that impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of your people with cancer. For example, alcohol and drug use, impact of treatment on fertility, impact of treatment on the patients sexuality and sexual function.

Sexual Health Australia

They have a phone counselling for individuals and couples, but fees apply.

0404 267 559

Cancer Well-Being Centre

Counselling services

Can access via GP mental health plan

Clinical Nurse Consultants

Your health care team and Clinical Nurse Consultants are here to support and answer any questions you might have.

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Changes to your body and appearance
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Menopause
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