Life and Intimacy After Breast Cancer

WAS President Faysal El Kak on healing beyond survival

View this email in your browser Dear WAS Members and Friends, This October, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we highlight an important aspect of sexual health and overall well-being — life and intimacy after breast cancer. In a new blog, WAS President Faysal El Kak explores the biological, psychological, and relational impacts of breast cancer treatment, and the evidence-based steps health systems can take to support survivors. "Sexuality after cancer may change in form or expression, but it remains a vital part of health and identity. When clinicians acknowledge this openly, they help survivors rebuild confidence and connection." — Faysal El Kak Read the full blog post here Porto Proclamation: Webinar Replay Thank you to everyone who joined our recent global webinar, Reflections on the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice. The session brought together voices from across regions to discuss how the Proclamation — adopted at the inaugural World Sexual Health Assembly (WSHA) in Porto, Portugal — can guide action through 2030. Moderated by WAS President Faysal El Kak and Immediate Past President Elna Rudolph, the conversation explored how sexual health, rights, and justice intersect in health systems, education, research, and advocacy. Speakers shared regional perspectives, highlighting the importance of collaboration, evidence, and solidarity in realizing the Proclamation's goals. Speakers: Bouchra Assarag (Morocco) — President, Eastern Mediterranean Federation of Sexual Health (EMFeSH) Christopher Fox (Australia) — President, Asia-Oceania Federation of Sexology (AOFS) Faysal El Kak (Lebanon) — President, World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) Eszter Kismődi (Switzerland) — Chief Executive, Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM); Chair, WAS Sexual Rights Committee Susana Medina Salas (Spain) — Program Implementation Lead, Fòs Feminista Miranda van Reeuwijk (The Netherlands) — Research Unit Manager, Rutgers Elna Rudolph (South Africa) — Chair, World Sexual Health Assembly Organizing Committee; Immediate Past President, WAS; Director, Sexual Health Africa (SHA) Watch the webinar replay Click here to learn more about the Porto Proclamation on Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice. Read the WSHA blog post for context on the Assembly that brought this historic declaration to life here. WAS Webinar on Professional Education in Sexology — November 20 Join us this November for the next WAS global webinar, hosted by the Professional Education in Sexology (PES) Committee. Date: November 20 Time: 3 pm SAST Find your local time here. This session will focus on the Committee's goals and achievements for 2021–2025, highlighting global efforts to strengthen professional education and standards in sexology. Speakers:   Leiszle Lapping-Carr — Chair, WAS Professional Education in Sexology Committee Osmar Matsui — Co-Chair, WAS Professional Education in Sexology Committee Anthony Smith — Co-Chair, WAS Professional Education in Sexology Committee Elsa Almås — Past Chair, WAS Professional Education in Sexology Committee Stay tuned for the confirmed title and full details soon. Register now to save your place Call for Abstracts: SSTAR 2026 (Vancouver) The Society for Sex Therapy and Research (SSTAR) — a member organization of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) — invites submissions for its 51st Annual Meeting, to be held in Vancouver, Canada, from May 7–9, 2026. Theme: Sexuality in Connection: A Systemic Perspective Deadline to submit: October 31, 2025 SSTAR welcomes abstracts across empirical research, clinical observation, and theory, with particular interest in work exploring how social, relational, cultural, legal, and digital systems shape sexuality and inform both practice and research.   Submit your abstract here Disclaimer: As a global network, WAS shares events and resources from its member organizations to promote knowledge exchange. The views expressed in these events are those of the organizers and do not necessarily reflect the official position or endorsement of WAS. All WAS members are expected to uphold the principles outlined in the WAS Declarations. International Journal of Sexual Health (IJSH): Editor's Selection We're pleased to spotlight a new open-access article from WAS's official journal, the International Journal of Sexual Health (IJSH): Hille, J. J., Garcia, J. R., & Gesselman, A. N. (2025). If I Only Knew Then: Single Adults' Perceptions of the Impact of Sex Education on Their Romantic and Sexual Lives. International Journal of Sexual Health, 1–9.    Read the article (open access) Thank you for being part of this growing community advancing sexual health, rights, justice, and pleasure for all. With solidarity, The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) Not on our mailing list yet? Sign up here! Click here to visit the WAS website Support the Mission of WAS We invite you to support the ongoing work of the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Your contributions help us continue our mission of promoting Sexual Health, Rights, and Justice globally. Consider becoming a supporting member or making a financial contribution today. Donations are tax-deductible in the USA. Donate Here Copyright © 2025 World Association for Sexual Health (WAS), All rights reserved. You are receiving this newsletter because you have previously expressed interest in our content by opting in on our website or through participation in one of our online events, such as our monthly webinars. We're committed to keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. Our mailing address is: World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) 1300 South 2nd Street Suite 180 West Bank Office Building Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.