A new sexual health wellbeing guide has been published for women who have completed treatment for breast or pelvic cancer.

Published by the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), the guide deals with questions and issues women may have about their sexual health or sexuality following treatment.

"Having cancer may affect your relationships with your family, friends and colleagues, and it is natural to need some time to adjust. You may experience emotional and physical changes during and after cancer treatment which may cause sexual problems - such as body image, mood, energy levels and sexual desire. But while cancer treatment may affect your sexuality, your sex life doesn't have to end," the NCCP said.

The guide provides details about treatments that may help to improve sexual wellbeing and includes advice on a range of topics, such as how to talk to your partner about your sexual wellbeing and how to create emotional and physical intimacy.

"Patients, healthcare professionals and advocacy groups will tell you time and time again that patients feel adrift and as if they have ‘fallen off a cliff' after their active treatment for cancer is complete.

"Patients need support at this time to regain a sense of control over their lives, rebuild their sense of health and wellbeing and have expert advice, assessment and treatment for any consequences of treatment, which may be physical, psychological and/or social," explained NCCP national programme manager, Louise Mullen.

The guide, Sexual Wellbeing After Breast Or Pelvic Cancer Treatment: A Guide For Women, can be viewed here

A similar guide for men who have been treated for pelvic cancer was previously published and is available here