When Gillian Steiner, 26, got bowel cancer last year she said one of the worst parts was the effect it had on her self esteem and relationship with her partner David.
And David and Gillian are not alone, three quarters of cancer patients said that it had affected their sexual relationship.
Gillian says it put a huge strain on their relationship: "It effected us both physically and mentally, I was concerned about the physical changes in my appearance as well as the mental effects it was having on my confidence."
Gillian finished her chemotherapy on Valentines day this year, she was given the all clear. David also proposed to her on the same day and the couple are now closer than ever.
Gillian says: "Get advice and support as soon as possible and don't make sex a taboo subject. I had no idea that my body and emotion would be affected the way they were.”
Helplines
Macmillan Cancer Support/Cancerbackup
Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 1234 (Mon–Fri 9am–8pm). To talk to a specialist cancer nurse to get confidential, accurate and up to date information about any aspect of cancer.
Web: www.macmillan.org.uk/sex
Cancer Research UK
Helpline: Freephone 0808 800 40 40 to talk to a cancer information nurse
Web: www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help Sex and sexuality and how it can be affected when you have cancer.
Web: www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help Coping with a stoma after bowel cancer.
Provides a free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families.
Colostomy Association
24hr Helpline: 0800 328 4257
Web: www.colostomyassociation.org.uk
The primary role of the Colostomy Association is to represent the interests of people with a colostomy
