Sex and Intimacy

Breast cancer can be hard on intimacy.  Your body changes – and the changes affect not only your breast, but also your hormones important to sexual intimacy.  You are stressed and often fatigued or don't feel very well during treatment.  Breast cancer patients who are married or are in a relationship may worry about not being attractive to their partners, while those who are single may worry that no one will ever be attracted to them.  These complex, real issues can be overcome with good communication and mutual support.

Partners of breast cancer patients want to be helpful and supportive, but they often don't know what to say or do.  Talk about what is happening to you, how you feel, what you need at this time – and to let your partner know how to be supportive.   Many patients refer to the difficult ups and downs of the diagnosis and treatment process as a roller coaster ride.  Talking to your doctor is a good starting point, because your doctor has probably already covered some of these sensitive issues with you.  Couples counseling can help both partners understand and deal with the physical and emotional challenges that breast cancer presents.

Next: Breast Cancer and the Workplace.