Macmillan Cancer Support and sexual wellness brand Lovehoney have partnered up in a bid to break down taboos around sex and intimacy following a cancer diagnosis.
The pair will shine a light on the impact cancer can have on a person’s sexual wellbeing through a new content series featuring people across the UK sharing their unique experiences with sex and intimacy following a diagnosis, launching on Youtube from today (14 March).
The first story is that of 22 year old Ellie.
It comes as new data from Macmillan suggests that tens of thousands of people with cancer in the UK are “suffering in silence” with concerns around sex and intimacy – facing ‘rock bottom’ self-confidence and serious worries about their sex lives or romantic relationships.”
However only two in five (39%) of those who want help out with concerns around sex or fertility have had any support, leaving tens of thousands of people with cancer trying to manage these issues themselves.
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“Everyone is entitled to sexual happiness, and our ethos has always been to create a welcoming and inclusive space for people on their journey towards this too. Too often people’s sexual wellbeing can be treated as a secondary concern, or not taken seriously, and we know that this is the case for many people with cancer,” said Lovehoney director James Rose.
“It’s an honour to be working alongside one of the UK’s most loved charities on this partnership – not only because we get to directly support the fantastic work Macmillan does to help people affected by cancer, but also because it signifies an important step towards the mainstream normalisation of sexual wellness, which ultimately benefits everyone.”
“As part of the partnership, the sexual wellness brand will be donating 10% of sales on selected Lovehoney products to Macmillan during the campaign (14 March to 5 August). As a charity that relies almost entirely on donations the money raised will help Macmillan continue to provide vital support to people affected by cancer across the UK.”
Whittington Health NHS Trust Macmillan information and support manager Tracey Palmer said: “Cancer can impact a person’s life in many ways; their relationships, their bodies, how they are feeling and more. It can touch every part of what makes someone who they are.”
“And we know that for many sex and intimacy following a diagnosis is a huge concern and thousands of people with cancer are suffering alone, causing a huge amount of stress and anxiety.”
1 Comment. Leave new
What an amazing young woman Ellie is for sharing her story so honestly like this. Thank you Ellie, I am sure you will be making a difference to so many in doing so. A fantastic partnership between Macmillan and Lovehoney too.