Sexual health information for women with cancer
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Websites
Memorial Sloan Kettering (US-based)
American Cancer Society (US-based)
Macmillan Cancer Support (UK-based)
Videos and podcasts
- Odette Cancer Centre
This video will help you understand why you have anxiety, what you can do to help, and when you should call your health care team. Go to sunnybrook.ca/cancereducation
(click on My video learning → Anxiety). - Cancer Care (US-based)
Listen online at cancercare.org/connect_workshops/tagged/intimacy or on your smartphone / tablet (search for Cancer Care in the Podcasts app).
Booklets
These booklets are available to pick up from the PEARL (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) at the Odette Cancer Centre or please ask your health care team for a copy.
- Vaginal Health – About vaginal dryness
- Managing Menopause (Without hormones)
- Sexual Health and Radiation Therapy: A Guide for Women
- How to use a Vaginal Dilator after Radiation Treatment
- Intimacy and Sexuality For Patients with an Ostomy
Sexuality and Cancer (Canadian Cancer Society)
- Please go to cancer.ca/publications or drop by the PEARL (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) at Odette Cancer Centre to pick one up.
Sexuality, Intimacy and Cancer: A guide for people with cancer and their partners (Cancer Council Australia)
Books and articles
These books are available to borrow from the Odette Cancer Centre / Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Please visit the PEARL Library (T-wing, 1st floor, by main reception) or call 416-480-4534 for more information.
- Woman, Cancer, Sex. Katz, A. 2009
- Intimacy after Cancer: A woman's guide. Kydd, S. 2006
Sexuality – Breaking the Silence (Virtual Hospice)
To read the article, please go to virtualhospice.ca.
Let's talk about sex – a cancer patient's perspective (Your Health Matters, Sunnybrook / Odette)
Classes
When menopause comes too early
- Classes take place once a month, in the PEARL (T-wing, 1st floor, by the main reception) at the Odette Cancer Centre.
- To find the next class, please pick up a calendar from the PEARL or go to sunnybrook.ca/cancereducation (click on My workshops and classes).
Sex and Intimacy
- Classes take place on the third Tuesday of every month for women, at the ELLICSR (Toronto General Hospital, Basement, Room B PMB 130).
- Please call 416.581.8620 or email ellicsr@rmp.uhn.on.ca for more information.
Support services
Odette Patient & Family Support
Telephone: 416-480-4623
Location: TG-230
(T-wing, ground floor)
Free services to help you manage your symptoms and side effects of cancer and treatments including those affecting your sexual health.
Canadian Cancer Society
Toll-free: 1.888.939.3333
Website: cancer.ca/support
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Free services including peer support, support groups, online communities and a cancer information phone line.
Good For Her
Website: goodforher.comTelephone: 416.588.0900
Location: 175 Harbord Street, Toronto
A retail store that offers sexual health educational workshops and products. Women and trans only hours are posted on their website.
Board of Examiners in Sex Therapy and Counselling in Ontario
Website: bestco.info/Find a certified sex therapist near you.
More information
Made with Patient and Family Input
While this information may be useful, it is intended for educational purposes only. Please continue to ask your health care team if you have questions or concerns. For any other inquiries, please contact us at patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca.
