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 15 May 2008 22:10 BST

Cancer 'places great strain on personal relationships'

Thursday, 27 Mar 2008 07:12
Cancer can affect many aspects of people's personal relationships

Health In Focus 

The majority of people affected by cancer say the disease puts a strain on their relationship with their partner, according to a new survey.

In a poll of 373 people (215 with a cancer diagnosis and 157 with a cancer-diagnosed partner), 85 per cent said cancer had affected their personal relationship.

Two-thirds said the disease had negatively affected their sexual relationship with their partner and half said worrying about money as a result of cancer had strained their relationship.

Cancerbackup said the survey shows the importance of people affected by cancer being given information about where to turn for support.

Those who had been given information reported less negative effects on their relationship.

"People don't know what to expect when they or their partner are diagnosed with cancer and are often shocked by how it affects every aspect of their lives," said Derryn Borley, Cancerbackup head of cancer support services.

"Health professionals should be helping people to understand that what they are going through is normal, by providing them with information on how cancer can affect relationships."

The survey was released as Cancerbackup and Relate launched a campaign to improve awareness of the support available for cancer patients and their partners.

Relate counsellor Christine Northam said: "Where couples are coping with cancer, relationships take the strain.

"Sometimes even the strongest couple need extra support to make sense of their feelings. A professional counsellor can provide that additional help - we have to make sure that everyone who needs this help can access it."
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