When patients are diagnosed with cancer, they have many thoughts, fears, and questions, and most want to learn more about their disease and treatment. There also are practical issues to consider--paying for treatment, finding transportation, keeping a job, and juggling family responsibilities. Patients are dealing with huge decisions and coping with stressful changes.

It's understandable that sexuality may not be the primary focus for many cancer patients, at least not right away. Sexuality is an incredibly personal topic, and each person's experiences, feelings, and expectations are unique. But at some point, whether because of sexual changes, relationship issues, or difficulties with fertility, patients realize the impact of cancer on their sexuality.

Each patient's cancer journey is unique, so it's impossible to know what your experiences will be. You may undergo permanent changes in your body, physical discomforts, emotional struggles, and problems with fertility. But no matter the diagnosis or prognosis, you deserve the best quality of life, and this includes care of your sexual health. By learning about how your sexuality is likely to change and getting suggestions for healing, you become a partner and advocate in your own care.

This guide explores cancer and sexuality and answers some of the questions you might be asking:

1. What is sexuality?

2. What is a normal sexual response?

3. How can my cancer and cancer treatment affect my sexuality?

4. If my cancer and cancer treatment cause sexual changes, what remedies are available?

5. How can my cancer and cancer treatment affect my relationships?

6. How does cancer treatment affect fertility?

7. What additional resources are available to help answer my questions and concerns?