Becoming Sexually Active Again David G. Bullard, PhD, Ernest H. Rosenbaum, MD, Malin Dollinger, MD, Jean M. Stoklosa, RN, MS, and Isadora R. Rosenbaum, MA Adapted for the Canadian edition by Christine M. Derzko, MD Cancer affects all aspects of your life. So it's not surprising that it can affect your sexual feelings and the ways you express those feelings. You and your spouse or partner remain sexual beings and may have much the same needs and desires as you had before the illness struck. Sexuality can be expressed in many ways—in how we dress and how we move and speak, as well as by kissing, touching, masturbation and intercourse.