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| Frequently
Asked Questions |
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| 1.
Can I catch cancer from my partner? |
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| No.
If your partner has cancer, you cannot catch it like a common cold.
Although, cancer is not contagious, certain viruses which may cause
cancer in the long term, can be transmitted via unprotected sexual
contact. |
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| 2.
Can sexual activity actually cause cancer? |
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Not in the strictest sense of the word. In practical terms, the development
of a few cancers may be influenced by a virus that is passed from
one person to another during sex. Cancers of the cervix, vulva and
penis seem to be linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). But very
few people who have one of these viral infections get cancer as a
result.
There are many factors other than the virus at work, such as: genes
we inherit from our parents; whether or not we smoke; our age; and
our general health. These dictate whether or not an infection with
a virus might affect the development of a cancer. |
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| 3.
Could sexual activity make my cancer worse? |
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| No. On the contrary, sex and
all the love and caring that goes with it can be helpful to those
who have cancer. So many people feel depressed, unlovable, guilty
and afraid when they have cancer or are being treated for it, their
partner’s affection and acceptance can make a big difference. |
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| 4.
Are there times when sex should be avoided? |
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Yes, there are. First of all,
it’s safest either to avoid sex or to be sure to use a condom
during intercourse if you are still receiving chemotherapy. Continue
to use it for a month after you’ve completed treatment. We are
still unsure of what comes through in semen. Also the vagina, especially
when aroused, is a highly absorptive organ. Wearing a condom, avoids
the stinging sensation some women report. For women who can still
have children, it also reduces the theoretical likelihood of foetal
damage should any chemicals be absorbed.
Vaginal intercourse is probably best avoided very soon after pelvic
surgery in women. The time to get back to sexual intercourse will
vary according to the sort of operation you had and how quickly a
person recovers. Some types of cancer (cervix and bladder, for example)
cause bleeding from the vagina or in the urine. If this sort of bleeding
is made worse by intercourse then it’s sensible to stop until
treatment has controlled the condition. |
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| If you have concerns
about cancer, please call the Cancer Helpline and speak with a nurse
counselor. She can help address your concerns. Tel: 622 55 655 Mon
to Fri: 8.30am to 5pm, Sat: 8.30am to 1pm. Sun and Public holiday:
Closed. |
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