Changed and impacted sexuality including changes in body image and body confidence from cancer treatments is one of the most common challenges people face, yet is one of the most under-addressed. Cancer treatments can impact all aspects of our lives, so why is no one talking about the more 'intimate' struggles we face? Why is sex and cancer such an ignored topic? If you've received a cancer diagnosis and are experiencing body shame, embarrassment, changes in your self confidence or body confidence, this book offers practical support and solutions to recover and increase your body image during and after treatments, including advice and education on dating during and after treatments.
This bite-sized book in the 'A Better Normal' mini-book series is core information from the all-in-one sexuality and cancer guide 'A Better Normal; Your Guide to Rediscovering Intimacy After Cancer'. Small enough to read in one sitting, this book is a must-have for anyone impacted by cancer treatments who may need support, because we all deserve love and connection.
Written by a sexuality occupational therapist, somatic sexologist and a sexuality educator, who also has fought cancer, this book is filled with practical information and ways you can reconnect with yourself and/or a partner, from someone who's literally been there. With down to Earth humour mixed in with a dash of neuroscience, Tess offers a positive path to your body confidence recovery, to recover what you thought was lost.
If you're experiencing particular side-effects (drops in libido, vaginal dryness and pain, changes in erection, fatigue etc), or need sexual supports that are treatment specific (radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy), take a look at the other mini-books in the 'A Better Normal' series. If you're after all of the sexuality and cancer information you need in one place, see 'A Better Normal; Your Guide to Discovering Your Intimacy After Cancer'. The larger all-in-one sexuality resource that has all of the mini-book series content (and more).
Australian of the Year 2023 nominee, Tess Devčze is an occupational therapist (OT) having completed their bachelor degree in Melbourne Australia, founding ConnectAble Therapies, a community sexuality OT and sexology clinic, focussing on sexuality and intimacy for people with neurological conditions, cancer, chronic illness and disability. They have also completed certification and trainings via the Institute of Somatic Sexology. Alongside being a sexuality OT, Tess is also a sexuality educator and workshop facilitator, and has facilitated and educated thousands of people in the topics of communication, consent, sexuality, pleasure and relationship dynamics for nearing a decade. Tess founded the global online initiative 'Intimacy and Cancer', an online support space for people of all cancers and genders to access sexual support. As a non-binary, queer, disabled person living with cancer, their work is inclusive and advocates for sexual rights for disabled, neurodiverse, gender queer/diverse and LGBTQIA+, communities, which they proudly belong to. Tess was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 36 and is still undergoing treatments. Find them at www.connectabletherapies.com
