Some of the most far-reaching, but often least understood casualties of cancer involve sexuality and intimacy -  possibly because of the nature of the subject, possibly because of the subjectivity of the subject.

However, a close personal relationship can be a crucial ingredient for coping successfully with a cancer diagnosis, treatment and eventual recovery.

During August, cancerpage.com takes an in-depth look at many aspects of how sexuality and intimacy can be affected by cancer and its treatments, including:

• Some surprising myths—and the truth—surrounding cancer and sexuality.

• How cancer can affect sexuality, from both a physical and emotional perspective.

• What treatments can impact sexual function and sexual desire, and how these effects be overcome.

• A changing self-image after cancer surgery.

• Some of the special concerns faced by same-sex partners.

• Advances in surgical and medical interventions to preserve sexual function.

• Special concerns of men with cancer.

• Special concerns of women with cancer.

• Anxiety, depression, grief and emotional distress—their impact on relationships.

• Pain during intercourse and how to manage it.

• Drugs that may cause premature menopause.

• Male and female infertility as a result of cancer treatment.

Intimacy is an incredibly important—yet far-too-often overlooked—aspect of an individual’s personal ability to cope with and recover from cancer. In fact, some suggest it may make all the difference.

Special Series

EGFR Plus Radiation Raises Risk of Dermatologic Toxicity

Sexual Function Does Not Fully Recover After Cell Transplantation

Sexual Problems Persist After Cervical Cancer

Prostate Cancer Linked to Increased Fracture Risk

Stem Cell Transplant May Have Lingering Impact on Sexual Function

More Sex-Related Care Needed in Women with Genital Cancer

Finasteride Does Not Impair Sexual Function

Merck Ending Lobbying for Mandatory HPV Vaccine

Early Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Use After Brachytherapy Aids Erectile Function

Sperm Banking Gives Cancer Patients Emotional Lift

Exercise Helps Sex Life After Prostate Radiation

Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer Now Less Cardiotoxic

Viagra May Restore Erections After Prostate Surgery

STD Surprisingly Tied to Low Prostate Cancer Risk

Initial Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer Affects Sexual Function

Physicians Urged To Address Sexual Problems Of Ovarian Cancer Patients

Sexuality Preserving Procedure Shows Promise As Bladder Cancer Treatment

Nerve Grafts Help Maintain Erectile Function Following Prostatectomy

Fertility Options For Cancer Patients Assessed

Tamoxifen Does Not Hinder Sexual Functioning Or Psychological Well-Being

Cancer Treatment Doesn't Have to Mean Infertility

Protecting Women Against Chemo-Induced Infertility

Fertility, Sexual Function In Men With Testicular Cancer Unimpaired By Adjuvant Chemotherapy

Testosterone Can Help Bring Back Sex Life After Cancer Surgery

Sex After Transplants

Cancer, Depression and Sexuality

Lesbians and Cancer Risk

Your Cancer, Your Sexuality, Your Partner

Being Single, Sexual, and a Cancer Survivor

Premature Menopause from Cancer Treatment

Recent Advances in Overcoming Cancer-Related Fertility Problems

Surgical Interventions That Can Affect Male Sexuality

Answering Questions Many Years After Treatment

Cancer and Male Sexuality

Communicating Concerns About Sex and Cancer

Surgical and Other Interventions That Can Affect Female Sexuality

Dispelling Some Myths About Cancer and Sex

Cancer and Female Sexuality

The author:

Richard Zmuda