Get involved and help Queenslanders living with cancer by volunteering. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation. Join us to make a greater impact and connect with like-minded people.
Every contribution helps support those living with cancer. Whether a one-off donation or monthly gift, your support ensures funding stability for long-term goals and future generations.
Leave a legacy by including a gift in your Will, starting a tribute page for a loved one, or funding a research grant for early-career cancer researchers driving clinical innovations.
Organise a fundraising event in your community, either as a team or an individual. You can join one of our existing fundraising events or you might like to come up with your own way.
When organisations work together, we can have a greater impact for every Queenslander going through cancer and help amplify our message for all Australians.
However you get involved, you’re making a direct impact on the lives of Queenslanders affected by cancer. See the results of what we’ve all achieved.
Some types of cancer and treatments may cause some physical and emotional changes that can impact your sexuality and intimacy. We’re here to help you navigate cancer and intimacy with practical information and support.
Our team is here to listen and support you.
Many people find the impact cancer has on their sexuality and intimacy to be one of the hardest aspects of life after cancer. Changes may only be temporary for some people, while others might need support or adapt to long-term changes.
If your sexuality or ability to be intimate changes as you navigate cancer, it can be difficult to talk about it with your partner.
The physical impacts of cancer and intimacy are the most obvious and often the most common. Treatment for some types of cancer can directly affect your sexual function, enjoyment, and libido – impacting your desire for intimacy during cancer treatment.
It’s important to speak to your healthcare team so you know what to expect. If you notice any changes during or after cancer treatment, share your concerns with your health care team. If they don’t know how to help you, they can direct you to someone who does.
Nurseadministers drugs and provides care, information, and support throughout treatment
Cancer care coordinatora specialist nurse who coordinates your care, liaises with other members of your health care team, and supports you and your family throughout treatment; care may also be coordinated by a clinical nurse consultant (CNC) or clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
Continence physiotherapistprovides exercises to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control
Occupationalprovides exercises to help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve bladder and bowel control
Physiotherapisthelps with restoring movement and mobility after treatment, strengthening pelvic floor, and recommending aids and equipment
Psychologist, counsellor, clinical psychologist*help you manage your emotional response to diagnosis and treatment; provide support and advice about sexuality and intimacy
Sexual health physician/doctor*, sex therapist can help you, or you and your partner, with sexuality concerns before and after treatment
Changes in intimacy are a common yet rarely discussed aspect of the cancer experience. Cancer and intimacy can affect both your physical relationships and emotional connections. You may notice changes in how you feel about your body and sexuality, while the emotional impact of cancer can influence your closest relationships.
Managing these changes alongside treatment can be challenging, but professional support is available. Speaking with a counsellor, psychologist or other healthcare professional can help you navigate cancer and intimacy and find ways to maintain or rebuild your personal relationships.
Sexuality is a normal and important part of health, but sometimes, cancer and intimacy can be overlooked among all the other aspects of your health.
Your doctor may not initiate the conversation for a few reasons:
Cancer treatments can directly affect physical intimacy, so it’s important to understand what to expect and any precautions you may need to take. Your healthcare team can advise you about intimacy during cancer treatment and address any concerns or changes your experience. If they can’t help directly, they can connect you with specialists who can provide appropriate support and guidance.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to approach the topic of intimacy and cancer with a health professional. These questions can help you get the conversation started, so you can get the medical advice and care you need.
Yes, sex with a cancer patient is generally safe – cancer cannot spread through sexual contact and won’t make the condition worse.
During chemotherapy or radiation treatment, some simple precautions may be needed, like using barrier protection for a short time afterwards. Speak to your healthcare team for specific guidance based on your type of cancer treatment.
Sex and intimacy can be both safe and beneficial for people with cancer and their partners. Physical intimacy can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and help maintain important relationships during treatment.
While there is no evidence that sexual activity will make cancer worse or cause it to spread, it is important to follow your health care team’s guidance.
No, cancer cannot be spread through sex or sexual contact and won’t make the condition worse.
