Introduction

This patient summary on the sexual side effects from cancer and cancer treatment is adapted from the summary written for health professionals by cancer experts. This and other credible information about cancer treatment, screening, prevention, supportive care, and ongoing clinical trials, is available from the National Cancer Institute. Better treatment of many cancers has resulted in more patients experiencing longer periods of disease-free survival. In addition, the side effects associated with cancer and cancer treatments have also become more prevalent.

This patient summary addresses the impact cancer and cancer treatment can have on all aspects of an individual's sexuality, including sexual desire and physical and psychological sexual dysfunction.

This summary is about sexuality and reproductive issues in adults and children with cancer. Section titles show when the information is about children.