Cancer, Sex & Intimacy - Virtual Sessions

Sex and relationships are two of the key concerns for people living with cancer, and unfortunately, the associated shame and stigma can prevent people from getting help, which in turn can put them at risk of deteriorating physical and mental health. While progress has been made in both cancer diagnosis and treatment, and with survivorship increasing, sexual problems as a result of cancer treatment is a taboo issue that needs addressing.

What is Cancer, Sex & Intimacy?

Cancer, Sex & Intimacy and Fruit Fly Collective, in partnership with Sh!, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Psychosexual Therapist Charlene Douglas, is developing a series of virtual sex and cancer workshops and educational resources for women affected by cancer.

The virtual sessions will focus on sex positivity and empowerment. Guests can expect to hear open and honest advice about sexual enjoyment (with themselves and partners), and see some fun and useful pleasure products.

Session 3: Finding Solutions

This session will focus on finding solutions for comfortable and confident pleasure with oneself and others.

Who Can Join?

The first four sessions are open to all women, womxn and vulva-owners affected by cancer, regardless of sexuality or relationship status.

We hope to replicate and specify the model to a wide range of audiences in the future; for men, couples, and the LGBTQI+ community.

We will also be developing resources for healthcare professionals to enable them to feel better equipped to initiate conversations about sex with cancer patients and ensure that these conversations are taking place regularly throughout the cancer pathway.

Book Your Space Here

When: Tuesday 12 of October 2021, 7pm
Where: Via Zoom
Price: FREE
Book here: Eventbrite

If you feel uncomfortable or not yet ready to take part in an event that focuses on sex, sexuality and sex toys, this event is not for you

Useful Information

You don't have to have your camera on, and you don't have to speak during the session. You can take a break anytime you like, and you can log off if you find that you are not in the right headspace to think about sex.
You are welcome to post questions relating to the topic in the Zoom chat box during the session. Our team of experts will endeavour to answer as many as possible.
There will be a Psychosexual Therapist present, but the sessions are not therapy sessions.
Each session will last around 60 minutes, with 15 minutes for Q&A.
You can join us for a single session of your choice, or all four sessions.

The Team

Sarah & Cheryl

Our journeys began with the unwelcome visitor called cancer. For Sarah, her diagnosis was in January 2017 and for Cheryl, July 2017. As women living with cancer, the story of navigating sex and intimacy was a shared one. Unfortunately along the journey, we have found that it is a taboo, unspoken subject within the cancer community amongst women.

Sarah started a project with Macmillan Cancer Support in December 2018 and held her first Sex & Cancer workshop at the Sh! Women's Emporium in October 2019. Meanwhile, Cheryl was also exploring the intricacies of sex and cancer as a project in the pipeline. Neither of us had experienced sex being discussed as part of our cancer care. We now have this wonderful opportunity to take the project forward as a joint entity to address some of the matters which have been raised by women in a similar position. There will be various areas of the project where women can get involved, we would love to have you on board.

Renée - Sh! & Shush Life

Renée Denyer is an award-winning Manager & Sex Educator with 15+ years of experience. Her focus is on female empowerment and she regularly offers advice to health professionals, as well as presenting a range of talks to benefit the following support groups: Menopause / Vaginismus / Survivors of sexual violence / Survivors of FGM / HIV+

Skilled at tailoring sessions to the needs of the client, Renée provides comprehensive sex education and sex-positive workshops to suit all levels of experience. She is able to offer one-to-one support and advice for women, supporting them on their journey into sexual wellness and pleasure with kindness and care.

Renée is a board member and facilitator of My Body Back Project, a charity supporting women who have experienced rape or sexual assault, to love and care for their bodies again.

Renée is a regular columnist for ETO magazine, where she shares her thoughts on sex, toys & the goings-on in the pleasure industry. Her words can also be found on the Sh! and Shush Life blogs.

Instagram: Shwomenstore & shush.life
Facebook: Shwomenstore & shushlifelessons
Twitter: Shwomenstore & shushlife
Website: Sh! & shushlife

Charlene - The Intimacy Coach UK

Charlene Douglas is a Psychosexual Therapist, Psychodynamic Counsellor and Intimacy Coach. With a career that spans over 11 years, Charlene has often been fascinated with the world of sex and relationships. Her earlier roles involved supporting young people to understand the world of sex, and to make informed decisions about their sexual choices. This involved contraception and STI advice.

Now, Charlene spends her time running a very successful private counselling practice and engaging in various TV/Media work. Her most recent TV appearances include E4’s The Sex Clinic and Good Morning Britain.

In her private practice, Charlene works with individuals and couples who present with various sexual dysfunctions, relationship and sexual intimacy difficulties. Charlene helps clients to explore the possible causes of their distress and works with them to find sustainable solutions. Although Charlene works with a wide range of clients, she has noticed an increase in women requiring services to help them to feel sexually confident and to have orgasms. In the words of one of Charlene’s recent clients, ‘I wish I had met with her years ago...’.

Macmillan London

We are millions of supporters, professionals, volunteers and campaigners. Together we make sure you’re treated like a person – not just a patient – and get the support you need to live life as fully as you can.

Twitter: MacmillanLondon

Fruitfly Collective

Creative support for families affected by cancer, Fruit Fly Collective has a small core team of scientists, clinicians, artists and designers who collaborate with a range of experts and people from other sectors as well as those with lived experience.