Healthy choices
Sexuality and breast cancer
Being diagnosed with breast cancer can affect every part of your life, including how you see your body, your sexual health, and your intimate relationships. Treatments may change the way you look and feel, and this can be hard to cope with. You might feel less attractive, worry about being rejected, or simply not recognize yourself in the mirror. Sexual health challenges after breast cancer are common and some solutions exist.
Sexuality is part of your quality of life and emotional well-being, so it deserves attention just as much as surgery, chemotherapy, or hormone treatment, and these concerns deserve attention as part of your overall care and recovery. By understanding how breast cancer can affect sexual health and learning about the tools and support available, you can start to protect your well-being and feel more confident about your sexuality again.
Remember, there is no single timeline or “right” way to recover your sexual self. Some women notice changes only for a short time, while others need longer to adapt. What matters is being patient and kind with yourself, asking for help when you need it, and working with professionals who understand cancer-related sexual health so that you can reclaim a meaningful and satisfying part of your life.
How does breast cancer affect sexual health?
Breast cancer treatment can lead to physical changes that have a big impact on sexual health. Surgery, whether it is a lumpectomy or mastectomy, can bring both visible and invisible changes, as breasts are often closely linked to one’s sense of femininity and sexuality. Surgery can reduce or remove sensation in the breast and nipple, leaving scars that may affect body confidence. Some people also experience lymphedema – swelling that can change body shape and feel uncomfortable.1,2
Chemotherapy can also have a wide range of effects on sexual function. Symptoms may include premature menopause, sudden hormone changes, vaginal dryness, decreased desire, pain during sex, and changes in orgasm. These effects often begin during treatment and can continue for months afterwards.1 Radiotherapy can induce early menopause and may cause skin irritation, sensitivity that makes touch uncomfortable, or tissue changes such as hardening (fibrosis) that affect comfort and sensation1. Hormone therapy can be especially challenging as treatments reduce or block hormones in the body, leading to vaginal dryness, loss of libido, and many women experience painful sex.1
Beyond these physical changes, breast cancer also brings profound emotional and psychological challenges that can impact sexuality. Body image can change dramatically during and after treatment. Many women experience depression, anxiety, or emotional distress related to how they feel about their bodies and may grieve the loss of their pre-cancer selves. In addition, women may worry about partner rejection, feel anxious about sexual performance, or fear pain during intimacy.1 Concerns about fertility, fear of pain, or feeling “broken” or unattractive can all reduce interest in sex.
Finally, sexual changes can put a strain on relationships, making communication with partners difficult. Partners might have different expectations about recovery, or both may feel afraid to bring it up, assuming things will eventually go back to normal.
Did you know?
Professional support can make a real difference. Sex therapy offers specialized help with communication, anxiety management, pleasure-focused techniques, and relationship challenges. Counselling approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can address negative thoughts about sexuality and body image, teach practical strategies for managing anxiety, and improve sexual functioning, body image, and menopausal symptoms.1,3
Mindfulness-based approaches can also help by increasing body awareness, reducing anxiety, and supporting sexual arousal and pleasure. Even short mindfulness exercises have shown benefits for increasing sexual arousal.1,4
Support groups offer another valuable source of connection. Talking with others who understand what you are going through can reduce isolation, offer practical advice, and provide hope. Specialized sexual health groups, couple-based programs, and general cancer support groups can help address sexual health directly, reduce overall distress, build confidence, and improve communication with partners.2,3
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Information you can trust
With so many opinions out there, it can be hard to know who to follow. At Oncolifestyle we do our best to provide you with evidence-based information that has been carefully researched with your health in mind.
Our sources
Where is this information coming from?
Our sources
Where is this information coming from?
- Vegunta, S., Kuhle, C. L., Vencill, J. A., Lucas, P. H. & Mussallem, D. M. Sexual Health after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Addressing a Forgotten Aspect of Survivorship. J. Clin. Med. 11, 6723 (2022).
- ESMO. Breast Cancer: A Guide for Patients. (2018).
- Carter, J. et al. Interventions to Address Sexual Problems in People With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Adaptation of Cancer Care Ontario Guideline. J. Clin. Oncol. 36, 492–511 (2018).
- Brotto, L. A., Basson, R. & Luria, M. A Mindfulness-Based Group Psychoeducational Intervention Targeting Sexual Arousal Disorder in Women. J. Sex. Med. 5, 1646–1659 (2008).
