Navigating the impacts of cancer as someone born intersex

If you’re born intersex and facing cancer, there may be extra things to think about, many of them personal, emotional, and tied to your sense of self. You’re not alone, and there’s support for all parts of your wellbeing.

Being intersex means you’re born with natural variations in your genetic, hormonal, or physical characteristics that don’t fit neatly into typical ideas of male or female bodies. These differences might show up at birth, during puberty, or sometimes later in life. There are many kinds of intersex variations, and like everyone else, intersex people have a wide range of genders and sexualities.

Because awareness about intersex variations is still growing, you might come across people who don’t fully understand what it means. This can sometimes lead to unhelpful assumptions - but remember, your experience and identity are valid, and you deserve to be treated with respect.

Should I share that I am born intersex?
You don’t have to share that you’re intersex with your healthcare team if you don’t want to. Medical systems often assume people are strictly male or female. Intake forms, screening reminders, or even how health services are laid out can feel not made for you. Being made to feel different can hurt, or sometimes feel isolating.

But sometimes, letting your health care team know can help them give you information and care that better fits your situation. Depending on the type of cancer you’re dealing with, knowing about your variation may also guide treatment decisions.

Impacts of cancer as someone born intersex
For some rangatahi, cancer treatment can stir up memories of past medical experiences - especially if decisions were made about your body without your full say. That can feel upsetting, and it’s completely understandable. If this sounds familiar, you might want to tell your healthcare team how important it is for you to be involved in decisions now. Having a say can help rebuild trust and make the experience feel safer.

Surgery, cancer treatment, or changes to your reproductive organs can affect how you see yourself. For many, this brings up grief or discomfort. For others, certain changes might affirm parts of identity. Whatever you're feeling, it's okay.


At Canteen Aotearoa, we know these experiences can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing. That’s why we offer free counselling and therapeutic support, where you can talk through what’s on your mind in a safe and inclusive space. You can also connect with other rangatahi who get what it’s like to face cancer while navigating identity and difference. You don’t have to face cancer alone.

If you’d like to understand more about your rights when it comes to healthcare, check out our guide on your rights in healthcare as LGBTQIA+ impacted by cancer.

And if you’re intersex and also identify as LGBTQIA+, you might also find our resource on common questions of LGBTQIA+ and cancer.

You can also reach out to Intersex Trust Aotearoa who are a registered charitable trust providing information, education, and training for services supporting intersex people and their whānau.