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Dear friends of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program,

Many types of cancer and cancer therapies are associated with sexual dysfunction; both physical and psychological factors can be contributing factors. Physical factors include functional damage secondary to cancer therapies, fatigue, and pain. In addition, cancer therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and bone marrow transplantation may have direct impacts on sexual function.

This edition of "Survive and Thrive" features information about sexual dysfunction experienced by cancer survivors. Hopefully you will find this information helpful in initiating a conversation with your doctor or other qualified health professional if you are experiencing sexual changes after cancer.

Best regards,

Message from Debra Friedman, MD, director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program

In the past two years, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Survivorship Program has grown to serve hundreds of cancer survivors and their families.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the Director of this remarkable program and to have witnessed the benefits many of you have derived from our clinic and educational programs. Therefore, it is with mixed feelings that I share the news of my departure from the Hutchinson Center. I have accepted a position to lead the Cancer Control and Prevention program at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, where I will be able to continue to help cancer patients and their families during and following their cancer treatment.

I am pleased to announce that the survivorship program will continue to grow and prosper under the leadership of our current co-director, my colleague Dr. Karen Syrjala. In addition to her new role as director of the survivorship program, Dr. Syrjala continues to serve as the Director of Biobehavioral Sciences at the Hutchinson Center. In addition, Dr. Syrjala has conducted or played a role in dozens of cancer survivorship research studies.

I will miss you and wish you the very best. My special thanks to all of you who've taken part in the Survivorship Program. Together we are helping advance the well-being of today's cancer survivors and those of generations to come.

Best regards,

Survival Strategies

Coping with sexual changes after cancer
by Dr. Sylvie Aubin, Ph.D., clinical psychologist at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
One area of your life that might have changed after cancer is your ability to have or enjoy sex. Dr. Sylvie Aubin provides information and strategies for dealing with these challenges.
Read more »

Research for Survivors

The prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction in people with cancer, from the National Cancer Institute's PDQ on sexuality and reporductive issues
An individual's sexual response can be affected in many ways. The causes of sexual dysfunction are often both physical and psychological. The most common sexual problem for people who have cancer is loss of desire.
Read more »

Survivor Profile

Karen Beamish
Karen Beamish, a 64-year old lung cancer survivor, came to the Survivorship Program with one of the most commonly reported cancer treatment late effects — that of ongoing fatigue.
Read more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Is treatment available for cancer survivors dealing with sexual problems?
In general, a wide variety of treatments are available for patients with sexual dysfunction after cancer.
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Exercise and Thrive

In partnership with the YMCA of Greater Seattle, the survivorship program will offer several 10-week strength-and-fitness programs called Exercise and Thrive.
Read more »