Couples may find it hard to talk about difficult or sensitive topics, which can mean that they might shy away from talking about symptoms they might find embarrassing like seeing blood in their pee.

Relationships on Female First

Relationships on Female First

From the start of February, Public Health England's, Be Clear on Cancer campaign is returning to raise awareness of the key symptom for both bladder and kidney cancers - blood in pee.

If you notice blood in your pee, even if it's 'just the once', tell your doctor. The chances are it's nothing serious, but these cancers are more treatable if they are found early.

Around 17,450 people in England are diagnosed with bladder or kidney cancer every year and around 7,600 people die annually. Blood in pee is a symptom in over half of bladder cancers and almost a fifth of kidney cancers, so being aware of these symptoms is crucial.

If your partner mentions they have noticed blood in their pee, even if it was just the once, encourage them to visit their GP and reassure them that their doctor will want to know. You can support your partner and help reduce their fears around cancer by reminding them that diagnosing it early can make a real difference.

If your partner has been to their doctor already, but their symptoms return or persist, encourage them to go back to their GP. Remember: early diagnosis of cancer can make it easier to treat.

If you would like more information about the symptoms of bladder and kidney cancers visit nhs.uk/bloodinpee

For more information about cancer, visit the Cancer Research UK website or call Cancer Research UK's specialist nurses on freephone 0808 800 4040

Martin Ledwick, Head Cancer Information Nurse at Cancer Research UK'S top tips for dealing with your partner's cancer diagnosis

  1. If you think that your partner might have experienced a symptom of cancer, encourage them to visit their GP in order to get the relevant checks and tests. Chances are it's not cancer, but if it is, spotting it earlier can mean it's more treatable.
  2. Everybody deals with cancer in their own way and there is no right or wrong way of dealing with things. But if your partner is diagnosed with cancer, it's usually helpful to talk openly and honestly with them, but also listen sensitively to their thoughts and feelings to help get past the initial shock together. Don't be afraid to talk through your feelings too.
  3. Being diagnosed with cancer can be a stressful time for both of you, so you may wish to make time for each other to do things apart from talking about cancer. You could go out for a meal or even just go for a walk, take time to be a couple again.
  4. It may also be helpful for you to talk to family and friends, and rally support from those closest to you, so that you have a good support network to help you through this difficult time.
  5. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Although, your partner might have been diagnosed with cancer, it's important that you stay well enough to help them. Make sure you continue to look after yourself - eating healthily and getting enough sleep .

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