In this episode, I sit down with Erin Sullivan Wagner for a raw and powerful conversation about something that’s too often ignored—sexual health in the context of cancer. Erin shares her personal experience with anal cancer, and what it was like to navigate the trauma of diagnosis and treatment while also feeling abandoned when it came to intimacy and her sexual well-being.

We talk about the gaps in cancer care, especially when it comes to women. Why is it that sexual health is often dismissed or completely left out of the conversation? Erin and I unpack how deeply cultural biases and medical liability fears impact the way sexual health is (or isn’t) addressed—especially for women.

We also dive into the concept of prehabilitation—starting sexual health conversations before treatment begins—and why it's critical that providers get educated and empowered to offer resources, referrals, and support for their patients. Because survivorship isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about staying connected to your body, your relationships, and your pleasure.

This is the conversation I wish every oncology team would hear.

Cancer profoundly affects sexual health, yet it’s often ignored.

Erin’s story is a powerful reminder of the trauma that comes with being left in the dark.

There’s a huge disconnect in how cancer care approaches female sexuality.

Male sexual health gets prioritized—female sexual health, not so much.

So many patients feel invisible when it comes to intimacy concerns.

These conversations need to happen early, not after damage has been done.

Cultural discomfort and medical fear of liability keep people from addressing sex.

Women are rarely told what to expect sexually after cancer treatment.

Quality of life includes sex, pleasure, and connection.

We have to normalize sexual health in survivorship care.

When we ignore it, the damage can be long-lasting and irreversible.

Emotional intimacy matters as much as physical recovery.

Prehabilitation should be standard practice.

Providers need training—patients need validation and direction.

Advocacy matters. This change starts with conversations like this.

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https://www.aftercancer.co/

https://allofmeiowa.org/

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