A relationship that was poor before a cancer is discovered probably won't be any better after the diagnosis. Having said that, some couples do come to a new understanding and love for one another as a result of overcoming a shared adversity such as cancer. A cancer, or its treatment, usually changes a person's role in their family. While undergoing treatment or following surgery, you may not have the physical energy to do all the jobs around the house which you did before. Relatives and neighbours may get involved in lending a hand and sometimes this can leave the person with cancer with a sense of not being required.
People often feel that they have lost their place.
For some people, fulfilling their role as a mum, dad or breadwinner has been part of their sexual self-esteem. Future plans may also have to be changed as a result of cancer and its treatments. Couples can have all kinds of plans, spoken or unspoken, to enrich their relationship or sex life. Some look forward to their children leaving home so that they can have more time, money and privacy for their relationship. A cancer at this stage of life cheats them of this opportunity, so long desired.