Understanding the Impact of Cancer Treatments on Your Body

Understanding the Intimate Effects of Cancer Treatment

Cancer treatment is about survival. It’s about getting to the other side. But in between diagnosis and recovery, there are hundreds of small, deeply personal changes that don’t always make it into the pamphlets or the consult room conversation.

You might have prepared for hair loss. Maybe even nausea or fatigue. But vaginal dryness? Itching? Pain during intimacy? A burning feeling when you sit for long periods? Changes to your skin, hair texture, or confidence? These aren’t always talked about — and yet, they’re incredibly common. The physical effects of cancer treatment don’t stop at what’s visible. They often show up in intimate, unexpected ways — and they deserve just as much attention.
If this is your experience, know you are not alone and there are ways to care for yourself.

What Happens to the Body During Cancer Treatment?

Cancer therapies — whether chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or hormone-blocking medications — are powerful. They work by targeting fast-growing cells to help stop cancer from spreading. Unfortunately, some of the fastest-growing cells in the body are healthy ones: those in your skin, hair follicles, mucosal linings inside your mouth and vagina, and hormonal system.

That’s why people undergoing treatment may notice skin becoming thinner, drier, or more sensitive. Vaginal tissue may change, causing tightness, dryness, or reduced elasticity. Pelvic and vulval radiation can also cause discomfort or irritation, and hair may become patchy or change texture.

Hormone blockers like aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen — common in breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer — can trigger sudden or early menopause, drastically reduce estrogen and impact moisture levels and skin repair.

These side effects are real. They are valid. And you don’t have to push through them without support.

Caring for Skin, Hair, and Intimate Areas — During and After Treatment

Start by speaking to your healthcare team about any symptoms, no matter how small they seem. Quality of life matters.

Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and nourishing skincare can provide relief — especially when hormone-free and formulated for sensitive skin.

That’s why Dr. Tonia Mezzini, a Sexual Health Physician with over two decades of cancer care experience, created the V.supple® range — because women kept saying, “I wish someone had told me this would happen… and what can I do about it?”

Vaginal & Vulval Discomfort

Vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain are common — especially during intimacy or everyday movement. Estrogen is crucial for keeping this tissue healthy. When estrogen drops due to treatment, you may feel soreness, tightness, or microtears.

V.supple® Balm and our hero prescription-only product are designed to help. Made without hormones, parabens, or fragrance, they deliver microsphere hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and avocado oil to hydrate and restore the skin and mucosa.

They’re safe to use alone or alongside vaginal estrogen under clinical guidance.

Hair Changes

Chemotherapy and hormone therapies can cause hair loss or thinning. Regrowth may be patchy, fine, or brittle.

That’s why we developed:

V.supple® Follicure+ Hair Growth Activator: With niacinamide, caffeine, and botanical actives to stimulate growth.
V.supple® Argan Intensive Hair Serum: With argan oil, castor oil, and vitamin E to nourish strands and restore shine.

Both are gentle on sensitive scalps, promoting regrowth and strength — one drop at a time.

Gentle Support, On Your Terms

Our products can’t treat cancer or replace medical care — but they can help you feel more comfortable and more in control.

Whether you’re preparing for treatment or long into recovery, V.supple® is here with options that meet you where you are.

Talk to your healthcare team before trying new products and always prioritise what feels right for you.

Explore our full range in the Shop. If you’re unsure where to start, visit our FAQs.