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Over three quarters of men found their cancer diagnosis impacted their relationships

Saturday 16 November 2024


Wilson and Alison, centre visitors, listening to cancer support specialist

According to a survey led by Maggie's, 78% of men with cancer feel their relationships have been affected by their diagnosis.


Maggie鈥檚 conducted the poll to encourage men with a cancer diagnosis to come forward for support.

Over half (52%) of new cancer cases each year are in men*, yet men make up only a third (35%) of 夜色直播 centre visitors.

The survey, released ahead of International Men鈥檚 Day (19 November), found that, of the men polled:

  • 46% said their relationship with their partner was most affected
  • 29% said their relationship with their children was most affected
  • 28% said their relationship with their parents was most impacted
  • 26% said it was their friendships that were most affected

Not enough men coming forward for support

Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie鈥檚, said: 鈥淎t Maggie鈥檚, we know that not enough men are coming forward to get support.

When men bear the pain and worry of a cancer diagnosis alone, it can put a huge strain on their relationships.

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 talking about money worries, talking to a professional psychologist to help with stress they might be feeling, or meeting other men in the same situation, it can all make a big difference.

鈥淎t Maggie鈥檚, we can give men all that support. But we need everyone鈥檚 help to encourage men to talk openly about the impact of cancer on their lives and on the lives of those who love them.鈥


Over half of men now feel closer to their partner

The OnePoll survey** went on to ask men about the fears, worries and insecurities they face when given a cancer diagnosis. It found:

  • over a third (38%) experienced a decrease in intimacy
  • a third (34%) experienced an increase in arguments

Yet the survey also found:

  • over half (52%) said they now feel closer to their partner or spouse

David sitting in Maggie's Oldham centre with garden in the background

David at Maggie's, Oldham

David (59) from Oldham was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2019. He said:

Having breast cancer as a man can be a lonely place.

鈥淪ome of the treatment for this can be hormone-based treatment, and it鈥檚 not the sort of subject matter that goes down well when talking to other men 鈥 especially not down the pub.

鈥淗aving cancer has affected all of my relationships.鈥


Centre visitor George stands outside Maggie's, Lanarkshire

George stands outside Maggie's, Lanarkshire

George (63) from Lanarkshire was diagnosed with stage 3 head and neck cancer in 2012. This had become stage 4 by 2013.

Following a two-year clinical trial which was ultimately a success and resulted in no evidence of disease, George retreated in on himself.

鈥淢en need that support to talk about cancer and Maggie鈥檚 is the place where I can do that.

Maggie鈥檚 is a place where I can talk.


*Source

**This online survey of 500 men who have cancer was commissioned by Maggie鈥檚 and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 24/04/2024 and 29/04/2024. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.


Last review: Nov 2024 | Next review: Nov 2027

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