A staggering 98% of women with breast cancer said side effects make it difficult for them to be sexually intimate1, according to new research* published by Breast Cancer Now.
Vaginal dryness, anxiety and low mood, and pain during sex were revealed as the side effects most frequently impacting intimacy – but for almost a third (27%) of women surveyed, concerns over whether a partner would find them attractive was a barrier to sex.
Surveying 1,500 women in Britain who have, or have experienced, breast cancer in the last five years, findings showed that almost half (46%) of women find it hard2 to say what they think/ feel out loud throughout their breast cancer experience.
Monica Larking, 40, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer aged just 38. Prior to her diagnosis, she enjoyed a healthy sex life with her lifetime partner, but after her diagnosis, they weren’t intimate for a year.
Monica said “Before my breast cancer diagnosis, we had an extremely healthy sexual relationship. We talked openly. There were no boundaries or barriers. Meeting at only 16 years old we had watched each other change and evolve over the years and managed to grow together. But then breast cancer happened, and it was like a freight train had run through our relationship.
“I wish that I’d known how much my breast cancer experience would impact me, and I worry that women like me feel too shy and embarrassed to speak openly, and that fear holds them back. That’s why I talk openly about it now, in the hope that others have more confidence in the future.”
And It’s not only sex and intimacy women find hard to discuss. The data shows that a third (33%) found it most difficult explaining a diagnosis to a close friend or family member, followed by the impact on body image (32%) and finding it difficult to talk openly about relationships (30%).
When asked why these topics were so difficult to articulate, over a quarter (26%) of women said they were embarrassed, and more than 1 in 5 (24%) feared judgement and worried that people wouldn’t understand (23%).
The research comes as Breast Cancer Now launches ‘Left Unsaid’ – the charity’s latest campaign tackling taboos around the ‘unspoken’ side effects of the disease, promoting open, honest and non-judgemental conversations.
1All “Yes” answers combined
2” Strongly agree” and “Somewhat agree” answers combined
Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now said “Sexual relationships can be an important part of life, and the fact that so many women find it hard to be intimate while experiencing breast cancer is devastating.
“Women need to feel safe to have open and honest conversations and to feel confident to talk about the ways a breast cancer diagnosis can impact their lives. A big part of ensuring these conversations happen comes down to educating healthcare professionals on the impact of breast cancer treatments and the importance of signposting women to organisations that can support them.
“Women who reach out to us to talk about side effects of breast cancer say that they’ve often struggled to talk with family or friends. We want anyone affected by breast cancer to know we’re here for them and ready to talk about any aspect of their breast cancer experience – be that talking to one of my team of expert nurses on our free confidential Helpline, or attending one of our tailored support services where women can talk to others who are also experiencing breast cancer. We’re also fortunate to work with brands like Ann Summers, helping women to start the conversation about sex, intimacy and breast cancer whilst signposting to the support Breast Cancer Now offer and raising funds through their sexual wellness range**.
“It’s so important we break down stigma and open up conversations so that women get the support they need at an already challenging time in their life.”
The charity encourages anyone looking for support to contact one of its clinical nurse specialists on their free, confidential Helpline on 0800 800 6000 or to visit their website to find out more about ‘Left Unsaid’.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Research:
* The research was conducted by Censuswide with a sample of 1,500 women who have had breast cancer in the past 5 years. The survey fieldwork took place between 15.08.2024 - 21.08.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.
Ann Summers partnership:
** Ann Summers’ My Viv (My Very Important Vagina) sexual intimacy products were created by experts using body-safe materials and natural formulations, products that focus on putting female pleasure first. 10% of profits from the sale of selected My Viv products goes to Breast Cancer Now’s research and support. Full range of My Viv products are available on the Ann Summers website.
Since 2019, Ann Summers has raised over £355,000 to support Breast Cancer Now’s work. With the help of women affected by breast cancer, Ann Summers designed the My Viv collection of toys to make sex more satisfying.