Cancer and its treatment can affect many aspects of a person's sexual wellbeing, intimate relationships, body image, fertility and confidence. These changes can occur during treatment, immediately afterwards, or many years later, and can affect people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses.
This directory brings together local and national services that can provide information, practical advice, emotional support, peer support and specialist interventions relating to sex, intimacy and relationships after cancer. Services include NHS teams, cancer charities, psychosexual support services, relationship counselling organisations and specialist support groups.
Whether you are looking for information for yourself, supporting a loved one, or seeking guidance as a healthcare professional, this directory can help identify services that meet individual needs and provide appropriate support at every stage of the cancer pathway.
Provides free information, practical advice and emotional support for anyone affected by cancer, including patients, carers, family members and partners. The service offers a safe and confidential environment to discuss concerns relating to sex, intimacy, fertility, menopause, body image and relationships following a cancer diagnosis or treatment. Staff can help people understand treatment-related side effects, provide trusted information, and signpost or refer to specialist services such as psychosexual counselling, sexual health services, cancer psychology, fertility services and menopause support. The service can also support people who are unsure where to access further help.
Eligibility: Anyone impacted by cancer.
Referral route: Self-referral via contacting the centre
Contact: 01522 573799, or email ulth.macmillan.informationsupportservice@nhs.net
Macmillan provides national support for people affected by cancer through a dedicated support line, online information resources, community forums and specialist advisers. The organisation offers comprehensive information on sex and cancer, intimacy, body image, fertility, menopause, erectile dysfunction, vaginal changes, dating after cancer and relationship concerns. Macmillan can also provide emotional support, practical advice and signposting to local and specialist services. Resources are available for both patients and partners.
Eligibility: Anyone impacted by cancer
Referral: Self-referral via contacting the service
Greater Manchester Cancer's Sexual Wellbeing Information and Resources page brings together a range of trusted information, self-help resources and support services for people affected by cancer who are experiencing changes in sex, intimacy, relationships or sexual wellbeing. The resource hub recognises that cancer treatment can have a significant impact on sexual function, body image, confidence and intimate relationships, and aims to help people access practical information and appropriate support. The page signposts to specialist organisations, educational resources and support services covering topics such as libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, painful sex, menopause, fertility, body image, intimacy and relationship concerns. It can also be a useful resource for healthcare professionals looking to identify support options for patients.
Sex With Cancer is a specialist charity dedicated to helping people navigate sex, intimacy and pleasure after cancer. The organisation provides practical, evidence-informed information on the physical and emotional impact of cancer treatment on sexual wellbeing. Resources cover topics such as loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, painful sex, body confidence, communication with partners and dating after cancer. The service also provides educational webinars, expert talks and guidance for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Eligibility: Anyone impacted by cancer
Referral: Access via the website
Cost: Free
Website: https://www.sexwithcancer.com/
Cancer Research UK provides trusted, evidence-based information about how cancer and cancer treatment can affect sex, intimacy, fertility, relationships and body image. The organisation offers comprehensive online resources covering common concerns such as loss of libido, erectile difficulties, vaginal dryness, painful sex, menopause, fertility preservation, body confidence and the emotional impact of cancer on intimate relationships. Information is available for both men and women, with additional guidance tailored to specific cancer types and treatments. Cancer Research UK also provides access to specialist cancer information nurses who can answer questions, explain treatment-related side effects and signpost people to appropriate support services. The service is particularly valuable for patients and healthcare professionals seeking reliable, up-to-date information to support decision-making and self-management.
Maggie's provides free psychological, emotional and practical support for people living with cancer and those close to them. Cancer Support Specialists can help individuals explore concerns relating to intimacy, relationships, body image, confidence, identity and emotional wellbeing. The centres offer one-to-one support, workshops, support groups and specialist sessions focused on living well with and beyond cancer. Partners and family members can also access support.
Eligibility: Anyone impacted by cancer
Referral: Self-referral via contacting the service
Contact: 0115 924 6210, or email nottingham@maggies.org
Relate provides professional relationship counselling and psychosexual therapy for individuals and couples. Support may be beneficial for people whose cancer diagnosis or treatment has affected communication, emotional intimacy, sexual relationships, confidence or relationship dynamics. Therapists can help individuals and couples address sexual difficulties, rebuild intimacy, improve communication and adapt to changes caused by illness and treatment.
Eligibility: Individuals and couples
Referral: Self-referral by contacting the service.
Cost: Usually paid; fees vary by location and income.
Website: https://www.relate.org.uk/
Contact: 0300 100 1234 or email, bookings@relate.org.uk
The College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists (COSRT) maintains a directory of accredited psychosexual and relationship therapists. These specialists provide evidence-based support for sexual dysfunction, intimacy concerns, body confidence issues, relationship difficulties and adjustment following cancer treatment. Therapy may be delivered individually or as a couple and can be particularly useful when more specialist intervention is required.
Eligibility: Anyone
Referral: Self-referral via contacting the service
Cost: Usually private (£60–£150+ per session depending on therapist)
Website: https://www.cosrt.org.uk/
Contact: 020 8106 9635, or email info@cosrt.org.uk
Lincolnshire Integrated Sexual Health Service (LiSH) provides specialist sexual health and psychosexual support for people experiencing difficulties affecting their sexual wellbeing and intimate relationships. The service can support individuals experiencing treatment-related sexual difficulties following cancer, including erectile dysfunction, painful sex, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, difficulties with arousal or orgasm, and anxiety relating to sexual activity. Psychosexual counselling provides a safe space to explore the physical, emotional and relationship impacts of sexual difficulties and identify strategies to improve sexual wellbeing. The service can also provide advice on sexual health, contraception and managing symptoms that affect intimacy. LiSH may be particularly beneficial for patients whose sexual concerns persist beyond cancer treatment or are significantly affecting quality of life and relationships.
Eligibility: Self-referral or professional referral depending on service
Referral: Self-referral and professional referral pathways available
Daisy Network is the UK's only charity dedicated to supporting people affected by Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), sometimes known as premature menopause. The charity provides information, emotional support, counselling and peer support for people experiencing early menopause, including those whose condition has developed as a result of cancer treatment. Support includes information about fertility, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), menopause symptoms, emotional wellbeing, relationships and long-term health. Daisy Network also offers online support groups, access to specialist counselling and opportunities to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. The service can be particularly valuable for people experiencing treatment-induced menopause, infertility concerns, loss of fertility, reduced libido and changes affecting sexual wellbeing and intimate relationships.
Eligibility: Younger women and people experiencing premature menopause or fertility changes following cancer treatment
Referral: Self-referral via contacting service
Cost: Free
Website: https://daisynetwork.org/
Contact: info@daisynetwork.org.uk
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing concerns about sex, intimacy, fertility, body image and relationships during or after cancer treatment. CNSs can provide information about the potential impact of cancer and treatment on sexual wellbeing, discuss treatment-related side effects, and offer practical advice and emotional support. They can help normalise conversations about sex and intimacy, identify concerns that may be affecting quality of life, and support patients in discussing sensitive issues. CNSs can also assess individual needs and facilitate referrals to specialist services such as psychosexual counselling, sexual health services, cancer psychology, fertility services, menopause clinics, pelvic health physiotherapy and relationship support organisations. Support is tailored to the patient's diagnosis, treatment and personal circumstances.
Eligibility: Anyone under a Lincolnshire Cancer Team
Referral: Existing patient under specialist cancer care
Contact: 01522 573799, or email ulth.macmillan.informationsupportservice@nhs.net
General Practitioners (GPs) play an important role in supporting sexual wellbeing and relationship concerns following cancer treatment. GPs can provide an initial assessment of symptoms affecting intimacy and sexual function, including erectile difficulties, vaginal dryness, menopausal symptoms, pain during sex, reduced libido and emotional wellbeing concerns. They can prescribe treatments where appropriate, provide advice on symptom management and discuss wider health issues that may be contributing to sexual difficulties. GPs can also support patients experiencing anxiety, low mood or relationship difficulties linked to cancer and make referrals to specialist services including psychosexual counselling, sexual health services, menopause clinics, fertility services, pelvic health physiotherapy, urology, gynaecology and psychological support services. GPs may be particularly important for supporting long-term survivorship needs once active cancer treatment has ended.
Eligibility: Anyone
Referral: Self-referral by contacting the practice
Cost: Free
Provides specialist information and support for men affected by prostate cancer and its treatment. The charity offers advice on erectile dysfunction, penile rehabilitation, changes in libido, intimacy, sexual confidence and relationship challenges following treatment. Specialist nurses are available to discuss concerns and provide information about treatment options and support services.
Eligibility: Men and their partners in the UK affected by prostate cancer
Referral: Self-referral via phone or website
Cost: Free
Website: https://prostatecanceruk.org/
Contact: 0800 074 8383 or online form
Future Dreams supports people affected by breast cancer through education, support and wellbeing services. Their dedicated sex and intimacy resources provide information about body confidence, relationships, dating, sexual wellbeing and adapting to life after treatment. The charity also hosts webinars, educational events and opportunities to hear from experts and people with lived experience.
Eligibility: People affected by breast cancer
Referral: Self-referral via contacting the service
Cost: Free
Website: https://futuredreams.org.uk/
Contact: 020 4558 2950 or email, info@futuredreams.org.uk
Provides information, support and peer connections for people affected by breast cancer. Resources cover sexuality, intimacy, body image, treatment-induced menopause, fertility concerns and relationship issues. The charity also offers specialist support services and opportunities to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges following treatment.
Eligibility: People affected by breast cancer
Referral: Self-referral
Cost: Free
Website: https://breastcancernow.org/
Contact: 0808 800 6000 or email, hello@breastcancernow.org
The Eve Appeal provides information and support for people affected by gynaecological cancers, including cervical, ovarian, womb, vulval and vaginal cancers. Resources address the impact of treatment on sex, intimacy, fertility, menopause, body image and emotional wellbeing. The charity helps individuals understand treatment-related changes, manage symptoms affecting sexual wellbeing and access further specialist support where required.
Eligibility: People living with cancer and their partners
Referral: Self-referral via contacting the service
Contact: 020 7605 0100 or email, office@eveappeal.org.uk
Shine is a UK charity supporting adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have experienced cancer. The organisation provides peer support, information and community connections for younger adults navigating issues such as sex, intimacy, dating, fertility, menopause, body image and identity after cancer. Shine recognises the unique challenges faced by younger adults and offers opportunities to connect with others who have shared similar experiences through events, online communities and educational resources.
Eligibility: People affected by cancer under 50
Referral: Self-referral via contacting the service
Cost: Free
Website: https://shinecancersupport.org
Contact: 07804 479413 or email, hi@shinecancersupport.org
Teenage Cancer Trust provides specialist support for teenagers and young adults affected by cancer. Information and support are available on topics including sex, intimacy, fertility, body image, relationships, sexual confidence and the emotional impact of treatment. Resources are designed specifically for younger people and recognise the importance of identity, peer relationships and sexual wellbeing during adolescence and young adulthood.
Eligibility: Anyone under 24 years old living with cancer and their families
OUTpatients is a UK charity that supports LGBTQ+ people affected by cancer. The organisation provides peer support, information, advocacy and community connections for people navigating the impact of cancer on identity, relationships, sex, intimacy and wellbeing. Through support groups, online communities, events and educational resources, OUTpatients helps individuals connect with others who share similar lived experiences. The charity also works to improve LGBTQ+ inclusion within cancer services and provides resources to help healthcare professionals better understand the needs of LGBTQ+ patients. OUTpatients can be particularly valuable for people seeking support around intimacy, body image, gender identity, fertility, dating and relationships following a cancer diagnosis or treatment.
Eligibility: LGBTQ+ people affected by cancer, including patients, partners, carers and chosen family members. Support is available regardless of cancer type, stage of treatment or time since diagnosis. Self-referral accepted.
Referral: Self-referral
Cost:Free
Website: https://outpatients.org.uk/sex/
Contact: Online form
Menopause and Cancer is a specialist UK organisation dedicated to supporting people experiencing menopause as a result of cancer treatment. The service provides evidence-based information, education and support on treatment-induced menopause, helping individuals understand and manage symptoms that may affect quality of life, sexual wellbeing, relationships and emotional health. Resources cover topics such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, painful sex, fertility concerns, body image, intimacy and the long-term effects of treatment-induced menopause. The organisation also provides training and educational resources for healthcare professionals to improve menopause care within cancer services.
Eligibility: Anyone affected by cancer-related menopause, including people currently receiving treatment, living with and beyond cancer, and healthcare professionals seeking information and guidance.
If you are unsure where to start, consider speaking with your Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), GP or local Macmillan Information and Support Service, who can help identify the most appropriate support for your situation.
