Cervical cancer awareness is on the rise, though almost no information on its effect on male partners is available. For the first time attention is being given to the impact of this disease on women's relationships and the men they love.A five-year study on the psychological and emotional effects of the disease is being planned at the University of Surrey in the UK. The researchers will observe whether the disease bonds couples stronger or breaks them apart, as well as the effect it has on their sex lives. Described as a lonely disease by lead researcher and cervical cancer patient Alison Nightingale, its effects can be very stressful and confusing for both partners. "One small-scale study found that partners suffered the same levels of cancer-related distress as the women going through treatment," she says.
Any newly-diagnosed cervical cancer patients and their partners are encouraged to participate in the study by contacting the university.
