Body Changes & Romantic Relationship Dynamics

It’s the final Stupid Cancer Discussion Series of 2025! Join us Nov 19 & 26 at 12pm ET! There is nothing sexy about cancer treatment. Cancer can cause many changes to our body physically and the experience can also impact your relationship with your body. It can be overwhelming to process and adjust to these changes while also navigating long-term romantic relationships.This 2 part Discussion Series will explore the impact of cancer on body image and the unique challenges AYAs encounter navigating bodily changes in long-term romantic relationships.

Processing and Accepting Body Changes: November 19 

Cancer treatment will cause your body to look and feel different, perhaps like it’s not even your own body anymore. Changes to the body can be distressing and disorienting, and permanent changes like scars, ostomies, and amputations can have major impacts on your mental health and your sex life. This session will provide an opportunity to discuss how body changes affect the mental health of patients/survivors and share a framework to shift your relationship with body image towards acceptance or neutrality.

Long-Term Relationships: In Sickness and In Health: November 26
Cancer can strain even the strongest relationships. Cancer treatment can alter physical intimacy, create new challenges with parenting, change plans for the future, and cause difficulties with fertility. This can be overwhelming to both partners and cause depression, anxiety, or anger. Our partners may cope differently with these challenges causing communication and relationship difficulties. Join this discussion session to better understand the impact cancer can have on long-term romantic relationships while connecting with other AYAs and learning new tools for coping.