Sarah Cawood Shares Her Struggles with Cancer Treatment and Intimacy
Sarah Cawood, a well-known TV presenter, has opened up about the impact of her cancer treatment on her personal life, particularly her relationship with her husband, Andy Merry. At 53 years old, she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in August 2022 after a routine mammogram detected a lump. Following her diagnosis, Sarah underwent a lumpectomy with sentinel node removal, followed by radiotherapy and long-term hormone treatment.
The treatment process had far-reaching effects on her life, including a significant change in her libido. She revealed that after stopping Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which she had been using for menopause symptoms, her sex drive disappeared overnight. This change has affected her relationship with Andy, and she admitted that ‘that part of her life’ is now over.
Sarah and Andy married in 2012 and are parents to their children, Hunter, 13, and Autumn, 12. In an interview, she shared how the loss of intimacy has been difficult for both of them. ‘It’s a massive loss to us both but we make sure we keep an open dialogue because it’s important to not brush these things under the carpet,’ she said.
In addition to the impact of HRT, Sarah believes she may also be suffering from vaginal atrophy, a condition that can cause pain during intercourse. Vaginal atrophy occurs when the lack of oestrogen after menopause causes thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues. ‘Basically, it can feel like there’s something in the way of any sort of penetration, and it hurts like hell,’ she explained.
Despite being cancer-free, Sarah continues to face ongoing worries. She shared a video of herself driving, with text popping up on the screen that read: ‘Daily thoughts of a cancer survivor.’ The message included concerns such as ‘I feel tired… Maybe it’s back. What’s that odd lump? Maybe it’s back. I have a scan soon… What if it’s back?’
In the caption, Sarah wrote about the anxiety that comes with being a cancer survivor. ‘I never struggled with health anxiety before but post-breast cancer it’s all consuming and it wears me out a bit tbh.’ She emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, mindfulness, and gratitude. ‘All I can do is carry on doing healthy things, moving my body, practicing mindfulness and living each day with gratitude that I got to breathe again this morning.’
Sarah has also spoken about her fears of cancer returning. In May, she broke down in tears on Instagram while sharing a video of herself crying in bed next to her son, Hunter. She was anxious about an upcoming appointment after a recent mammogram and feared that her cancer might have returned. ‘I’m sure it’s the latter, but the fact it’s a bank holiday weekend and the appointment is so soon has me all kinds of anxious. It never leaves you. The fear that It’s Back.’
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a condition that typically occurs after menopause. When the ovaries produce less oestrogen, the tissues around the vaginal area become thinner, and the number of mucus-producing glands decreases. This leads to dryness and discomfort during sexual activity.
According to the NHS, the condition can cause pain and reduce the likelihood of natural lubrication during sex. It is important for women experiencing these symptoms to seek medical advice and explore treatment options.
For anyone dealing with similar concerns, Sarah encourages open communication and early detection. ‘And remember, anything that doesn’t feel right: get it checked out. Early detection is key.’
