Cancer and Health

Cancer affects millions of people, and the medical system has become increasingly effective at treating it. But the conversation about what comes after — the physical, emotional, and relational dimensions of life with and after cancer — remains woefully inadequate. On Pair-A-Docs, we fill that gap with honesty, expertise, and genuine compassion.

Questions We Answer

• How does cancer affect sexual health? Cancer treatment — including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy — can profoundly affect sexual function, desire, and body image. Dr. Ross discusses the medical realities and the treatments that can help.
• What is the relationship between stress, trauma, and cancer? Dr. Gabor Maté's work explores the ways chronic stress and emotional suppression may contribute to cancer risk. We discuss the evidence and what it means for prevention and recovery.
• How does a cancer diagnosis affect body image? Brooke Burke and Polly Rodriguez both discuss their experiences with cancer and the profound effect it had on their relationship with their bodies.
• What do patients need that they rarely receive? Dr. Ross discusses the gaps in cancer care — including the lack of guidance on sexual health, hormonal changes, and emotional wellbeing — and what patients can do to advocate for themselves.
• How does cancer affect relationships? A serious illness strains relationships in specific ways. Dr. Tammy Nelson discusses how partners can show up effectively and what couples can do to maintain connection through a health crisis.
• What does recovery actually look like? Recovery from cancer is not a return to the person you were before — it is the integration of a profound experience. We discuss what genuine recovery looks like and what it requires.