Cancer. Surgery. Chemo. Radiation. Adjuvant Therapies.
All are life-changing. body-changing, and/or intimacy-changing.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, explore the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on intimate relationships through previous Firefly blogs:
- Read Intimacy After Breast Cancer, as Jennifer Heirlinger, ANP, shares information and suggestions for couples experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
- In Intimacy Following a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Can We Adapt?, several Firefly participants share their experience with cancer and it’s impact on intimate relationships. Find solace and support through their stories.
In addition to our Firefly blogs, there are many other great resources on the topic:
- Susan G. Komen’s Sexuality and Intimacy site has information about how to get help from your healthcare provider, how to talk to your partner, dealing with menopause symptoms, and issues unique to young breast cancer survivors.
- The Young Survival Coalition (YSC) interviewed a Sex Therapist about Sex and Intimacy After Breast Cancer. While YSC’s focus is young women diagnosed with breast cancer, the therapist shares information that is relevant for women of any age.
- The American Cancer Society has in-depth information about Cancer, Sex, and the Female Body that covers a wide range of topics, including diagrams.
- Looking for scientific research on the topic? Check out the following: Intimate Relationships Affected by Breast Cancer: Interventions for Couples
“Where there is love, there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Written and compiled by Amy Tix, Firefly Staffer and breast cancer survivor.
This Is Living With Cancer