A very ill person is not often seen as a sexual person, although sexual feelings exist in everyone, even in times of very poor health. Touching, caressing, sharing, and emotional intimacy are always important -- even at the end of life.

Some men and women lose hope and stop trying to fight the cancer in part because they have lost intimacy in their lives. When cancer is far advanced, a person's needs for affection, sharing of feelings, and touch may become even stronger. Partners of patients can help by remembering how important physical closeness is, even when intercourse might be too much for the person with cancer.

Last Medical Review: 11/10/2008
Last Revised: 11/10/2008