While it is true that you are still the same person after treatment for cancer, your body image will be different. For some people, that change may result in sexual problems. Obviously, your doctor should tell you exactly what to expect and how sexual relations may be affected. For the most part, however, sexual problems following cancer treatment have more to do with emotional reactions to an altered self-image than anything else. Also, feelings of fatigue, uncertainty about the future, and depression will certainly affect sexual interest.
Some people worry that cancer can be transmitted to their partner through sexual relations.
There is absolutely no truth to this idea. The problem with sexuality as it relates to cancer is the reluctance people may have in talking about it. Often embarrassed to bring it up, people may think their doctors will wonder how they could worry about sex in the face of such a serious illness. While sexuality may not be the first thing on a person's mind after hearing of the diagnosis, eventually the impact that cancer can have on sexuality may become a very real concern. Health-care professionals sometimes assume that if people have a problem, they will ask about it.