Brain cancer affects not just the person diagnosed, but everyone close to them. Treatment, fatigue, mood changes, or cognitive effects can all influence how people connect and communicate. Relationships may strengthen through shared challenges, but they can also be tested by stress, fear and changing roles.

Being open about what’s happening and what kind of support you need can help maintain connection and understanding.

Intimacy and fertility

Physical and emotional closeness can change after a brain cancer diagnosis. Treatment may affect energy, mood, body image or desire. Some people experience hormonal changes that influence libido or sexual function. Surgery, medications or steroids can also play a role.

These changes are common and understandable. Talking about intimacy can feel awkward, but honest communication with your partner and care team can make a real difference.

Support may include:

• Letting your doctor or nurse know about physical or emotional changes affecting sexual health. They can check hormone levels, adjust medications or refer you to a specialist.
• Exploring closeness in ways that don’t rely on sex — touch, affection, humour and shared time all matter.
• Seeing a counsellor or psychologist who can help you and your partner navigate emotional changes and maintain connection.

Fertility can also be affected by treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy or certain medications. If you’re considering having children, speak with your oncologist or a fertility specialist early. Options such as sperm or egg preservation may be available.

More information

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/managing-cancer-side-effects/sexuality-intimacy/

Talking with family and friends

It can be difficult to know what to say — for both you and the people who care about you. Some may avoid the topic because they’re unsure how to help. Others may try to take over because they want to fix things.

You can guide them by explaining what you need.

Helpful approaches include:

• Being honest about how you’re feeling, even if that means saying “I don’t want to talk about this right now.”
• Letting people know specific ways they can help — meals, lifts, childcare or simply quiet company.
• Sharing reliable information about your diagnosis if you feel comfortable, to reduce confusion or misinformation.
• Encouraging your partner, children or close friends to seek support too. Brain cancer affects everyone in the circle of care.
• Connecting with people who have lived experience — this can ease pressure on your other relationships and provide understanding that feels different.

Children often sense more than adults realise. Simple, honest explanations help them feel secure. Hospital social workers, psychologists and organisations like CanTeen can guide these conversations.

Maintaining relationships takes energy, but connection — in whatever form you can manage — brings strength, comfort and resilience over time.

More information:

• Support group directory
• CanTeen (support for young people)