Sex & Cancer

We recognize that people experience their bodies, identities, and relationships in many different ways. This resource is inclusive of all genders, sexual orientations, and lived experiences.

We also know that identity and anatomy don’t always align in simple ways. To provide clear and medically accurate information, we sometimes refer to specific anatomy (such as ovaries, a prostate, or a vagina) when describing how cancer and its treatments can affect sexual health.

Not all language will reflect how you identify, but this information is here for anyone whose body or experiences it may relate to. We encourage you to explore the sections that feel most relevant to your body, your identity, and your journey.

This is a collaboration between the Arthur J. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre and the University of Calgary’s Department of Oncology, including the Oncology Sexual Health Lab. The resource is meant to support patients being seen at the Arthur Child but also patients and health care providers more broadly – who have questions about how cancer impacts sexuality. We have chosen to focus on Canadian resources, however, the educational information is likely relevant, wherever users may reside.

The development of this resource was partially supported by the Alberta Cancer Foundation and unrestricted educational grant support for patient education from AbbVie and Merck.

Project Founder:

The initiative was led by Dr. Lauren Walker, the Director of the Oncology Sexual Health Lab at the University of Calgary. Dr. Walker is a registered Clinical Psychologist specialized in sex and relationship therapy. She completed a specialized clinical `fellowship in cancer and sex from 2013-2025, training under the supervision of experts at the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia. Much of her academic work focuses on characterizing the sexual needs of patients, interventions to support patients and translating scientific knowledge to benefit the community. She was supported by a team of amazing content developers including Ashley Carmody, Carly Sears and Emily Lewall. The team is also grateful for the input they received from many patients about the content of the site.

Disclaimer for risk

The information provided on this web resource is generic and not catered to any specific individual. We do not know anything about your disease or treatment and cannot provide individualized information. This website is purely an educational resource and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided here does not replace the care provided by your medical team. It is a good idea to clear any treatments, or activities with your doctor, particularly if you have injuries, pain or difficulties. It is best to ensure that you have discussed your clearance to engage in sexual activities with your doctor, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.

We know that communication between providers and patients about sexual health matters may not be occurring in medical settings. We encourage you to take the information you are learning about hereto your health care team to discuss your individual circumstances. We also suggest using the following guiding principles in deciding what, if any, treatments or strategies you may use. This includes prioritizing yours (and any partners) safety, consent, and pleasure.

Participate in these activities at your own risk. Talk to your doctor, health or rehabilitation professional if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Considerations for Everyone

We invite you to think about your goals for sexual function, what types of activities you want to participate in, and how you might like to use your body for those purposes.
Thank you for your patience as you engage in the material and encourage you to apply what fits for you and discard the rest.

Considerations for Two Spirit, Transgender and Gender Diverse People

In support of providing a more gender inclusive resource, we chose to focus guidance on anatomical functions and treatments instead of a more gendered presentation.
We acknowledge that throughout this resource, references made to genitals are based on penile and vaginal anatomy. We know not everyone uses these words to describe their genitals.
We have provided room for various gender diversities to be reflected by focusing on anatomical functions and treatments instead of gender-specific references.

Considerations Regarding the Importance of Sexuality

Sometimes finding a page that puts so much emphasis on sexuality, may appear to suggest that sex is important for all people, and that everyone should be motivated to keep their sex life going during and after cancer treatment.
Sex is not mandatory. You can have fantastic lives and relationships without being sexual. You do not have to be sexually active.
Some people don’t value sex, or the effort it takes to be sexual, and may just prefer not to be sexual – this is also ok.
Some couples may have decided that sex isn’t that important and that they don’t need to prioritize it. They have other ways of connecting and enjoying one another. Romantic relationships don’t need to be sexual to be healthy.
Some people may also identify as “Asexual” or “Ace”. Asexual people may experience little or no sexual attraction and/or experience sexual attraction in a non-normative way. They often still enjoy being in romantic relationships. They may or may not choose to engage in sexual activity, even if they identify as Asexual. For more information about Asexuality - please see here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/understanding-asexuality/

Considerations Regarding Sexual Orientation

We have made efforts to take care to include specific relevant information for all kinds of sexual orientation.
While there is certainly lots of content about penile vaginal sexual activities, we make every effort to include information about sex that includes other body parts, toys and tools, as well as solitary sexual activity.
We also know that certain outcomes may hold different value in gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual and heterosexual communities and have tried to integrate relevant content throughout.

Considerations Regarding Age and Stage of Life

Sometimes both patients and providers assume sex is just for young adults. We have had individuals from their teens, into their 90s who have reached out for support related to sexuality.
The type of information that is relevant may be different for younger and older folks.
We have worked to be as inclusive as we can on this page to include all possibly relevant information.
You may find that navigating dating is different for older and younger adults.
You may find that sexual goals are different for older and younger adults.
You may also find that certain treatments or goals for sexual function, may be less effective as you age. For this reason, we encourage you to consider all the options, and being open to using a combination of approaches, as well as trying them several times before deciding a treatment doesn’t work for you.
You also may find that depending on the stage of life you are in, you may have different values and goals.
Younger adults may be putting dating aside while they focus on gaining more independence or starting/resuming school or careers after cancer treatment, or they may be really focused on sexuality and reproductive health. Young parents may be really focused on child rearing and may have very little capacity to focus on sexuality.
You may also find your experiences to be unique, and not map on well to the above examples, or to some of the content on the page.
We invite you to take what is relevant for you and to leave the rest.

Take Home Messages:

It can be helpful to talk to a partner about their values and interests related to sex, before deciding if you want to work on maintaining a sexual relationship.
The most important thing is knowing that rewarding sexuality after and during cancer treatment are possible, if you want to be sexual and that changes in sexual capacity (e.g. desire, bodily function) are not the same thing as being asexual.
Your interests, desires, safety, and consent are key.

Who is this Resource For?

Who Developed this Resource?