Invited Speaker Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Inaugural Research Conference 2017

Sex and relationships after cancer (#79)

Wendy Vanselow 1
  1. Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia

Whilst not prioritised at diagnosis or treatment, sex and relationship issues emerge as major contributors to quality of life in cancer survivors. Many women and their partners are unprepared for changes in sexual desire and function. Couple dynamics can change dramatically. Research shows that when women develop serious illness there is an increase in marriage breakdown. 

The Women's Psychosexual Service provides medical sex counselling for individuals and couples to assist in the transition to life after cancer.