People who have finished cancer treatment often talk about the difficulty of relating to the people who care about them and for them. Although they all have good intentions, it can sometimes be frustrating.
This section provides information to help you and those close to you understand the impact that cancer may have on your relationships, even after treatment is over. It includes information about and for partners, children, friends and colleagues.
It’s important that you and your partner continue to be open with each other about how you’re feeling. After cancer treatment is over, your partner may expect things to be the same as they were before treatment. It can sometimes be difficult for a partner or other close friends to come to terms with the fact that you need time to recover and adjust to life after treatment.
Your children are likely to have been affected by your diagnosis of cancer. They will probably be excited about the thought of your treatment finishing and being able to spend more time with you. It’s important to let them know that you might still feel tired or unwell now that treatment is over. This will help them understand if there are times when you are feeling too tired to play with them.
A diagnosis of cancer can impact family and friends, with some finding support disappointing while others are pleasantly surprised, and the way family and friends cope directly affects a person's cancer experience.
Helping family and friends feel at ease can be difficult. At a time when the focus should be on you, you may resent having to do some groundwork to get the support you need.
Children may experience anxiety and fear when a parent is diagnosed with cancer, and open communication is crucial to help them understand and cope with the situation.
Cancer treatment can affect sexuality, including interest in sex, ability to experience pleasure, and body image, but these effects can often be managed or controlled.
For most people sex is more than arousal, intercourse and orgasms. It involves feelings about intimacy and acceptance, as well as being able to give and receive love.
Many partners of people with cancer experience high levels of stress and different information needs but may be reluctant to seek help due to feeling they need to be strong.
Cancer treatment or surgery can change a partner's body, affecting their sensitivity to touch, but open communication, understanding, and patience can help couples navigate these challenges and maintain intimacy.
Finding a new partner can seem daunting after cancer treatment. You may be worried about how a new partner will react to your cancer, even if your body appears unchanged.
Cancer treatment can affect sexual desire and function, but many of these effects can be managed or prevented.
You may feel that your sexuality isn’t mentioned when discussing the effects of treatment on sexuality. Many of the issues are the same for you as for other people. You may also feel distressed by the impact on your body image, sexual functioning and fertility.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be worried about whether other members of your family will also develop the disease.
Last updated 10 February 2025
