Dive into our webinar on Long-term Survivorship Care to explore expert insights and survivor stories on navigating fertility and intimacy challenges after cancer.

For young cancer survivors, life after treatment brings unique challenges that go beyond physical recovery. Among the most personal are concerns about fertility and intimacy—topics that often receive too little attention but are vital for emotional and physical well-being.

Our webinar explored these issues, offering survivors practical advice and hope for reclaiming control over their lives.

Fertility Concerns: Planning for the Future

Fertility is a major concern for many survivors. While 20% face direct fertility issues, 80% report anxiety about their ability to conceive. Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often impact fertility differently, making early planning essential.

Healthcare experts emphasized the importance of discussing fertility preservation options—such as egg or sperm freezing and hormonal therapies—before treatment begins. Survivors shared their journeys navigating these decisions pointing out that these proactive approaches highlighted the value of early conversations and personalized fertility plans.

Navigating Intimacy and Body Image

Cancer survivorship often disrupts intimacy and sexuality, as physical changes—scars, fatigue, or medical devices—are compounded by emotional challenges like anxiety and low self-esteem. Survivors in the webinar described struggles with body image, feeling disconnected from their pre-cancer selves due to weight fluctuations, hair loss, or surgical scars.

Open communication emerged as a critical tool for rebuilding intimacy. Survivors shared the importance of honest discussions with partners about insecurities and desires. One couple explained how open dialogue deepened their emotional bond, turning intimacy into a shared journey of healing.

Cultural taboos around sexuality further complicate these issues, often leaving survivors hesitant to seek help. The webinar called on healthcare providers to normalize discussions about intimacy and create safe spaces for survivors to feel supported.

Communication: A Path to Healing

Proactive and open communication with healthcare providers and partners is essential for addressing fertility and intimacy concerns. Survivors stressed the need for providers to approach these topics with compassion and survivor-centered language. Holistic care models, integrating psychosocial support and access to specialists like sex therapists, were identified as vital to addressing survivors’ multifaceted needs.

A Call to Action

Healthcare providers and policymakers must recognize fertility and intimacy as integral parts of survivorship care. Providers should initiate discussions early, normalize intimacy-related topics, and offer fertility preservation options. Policymakers should ensure equitable access to survivorship resources, including fertility preservation and sex therapy, while supporting awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.

Practical Advice for Survivors

We discussed practical strategies to regain confidence and rebuild intimacy:

  • Be proactive: Initiate discussions about fertility and intimacy with healthcare providers early.
  • Rebuild confidence: Take gradual steps, like engaging in activities that challenge insecurities.
  • Foster open dialogue: Honest conversations with partners about fears and boundaries can strengthen relationships.
  • Seek support: Connect with specialists, peer groups, or fellow survivors for guidance and encouragement.

To learn more, watch the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab7DKyjELNw