Relate and Cancerbackup help relieve strain cancer puts on relationships
Many women who have been affected by breast cancer are not only dealing with treatment but also the breakdown of their relationship at the same time, a recent survey by Cancerbackup revealed. As Valentine's Day comes and goes, advice columnist Bel Mooney is supporting a campaign by charities Relate and Cancerbackup, to highlight the need for more relationship support and information for all people affected by cancer.
A third of respondents to the survey by information and support charity Cancerbackup, which focussed on breast cancer, reported that having cancer had affected their relationship with their partner in some way. Although some of those respondents had found the experience of having cancer had brought them closer to their partner, a quarter reported that they had separated or divorced as a result of their breast cancer. Expanding on the previous survey Cancerbackup and Relate now want to hear from anyone that has been affected by cancer, male or female, personally or through their partner, to share their experience of how cancer has affected their relationship.
In support of the campaign, writer, children's author and Relate Ambassador Bel Mooney, famous for her inspiring relationship advice in the Daily Mail said:
'It isn't surprising to learn that breast cancer has a significant effect on women's relationships, so closely is it bound up with self-image and how they relate to their partners and loved ones. I do urge people who have been affected by any form of cancer and feel they can share their experiences to log on to the Cancerbackup website (www.cancerbackup.org.uk) and take a few minutes to complete the survey. Just as I try to help my readers, so we can all try to help each other.'
Although a serious illness like cancer can put a strain on any relationship, through highlighting the experiences of people affected by cancer, Relate and Cancerbackup will raise awareness of the support and information available that can help.
The campaign will launch next month with the results of the nation-wide survey and a new free leaflet by Cancerbackup and Relate, with advice and support on relationships and cancer.
To fill in the survey visit www.cancerbackup.org.uk
08 February 2008
