As part of the Dating and cancer series, Sarah shares her journey of navigating the dating world since her bowel cancer diagnosis in 2018 and why being open and honest about her stoma bag is important for her.
“I've really welcomed having a stoma bag because my bag saved my life. I was always going to embrace it, but it is something that factors into my dating life. If you're going to be intimate with someone or if you're going to live with someone, you have to have a conversation at some point about the bag.”
Watch the video below to hear Sarah talking about her dating experiences living with a stoma.
If you have a dating with cancer experience you want to share, or have been thinking about starting a new relationship but are feeling worried, join the Let’s talk about dating and cancer discussion thread. It’s a dedicated space for Community members to support each other and share personal experiences with dating.
You can also join the Bowel (colon and rectal) cancer forum and the Ileostomy, colostomy and stoma support forum to chat to others, ask questions and share personal experiences.
Lived experiences of dating with cancer: Online Community members and guest storyteller Lauren share their personal experiences. At the age of 25, Lauren was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma. As she navigated a cancer diagnosis and treatment, Lauren was also starting a new relationship with Danny. The couple have now been together for six years and recently got engaged.
Dating and cancer- Mason’s story : In 2022, Mason received a diagnosis of an aggressive brain tumour. Mason's dating style has changed as a result of this life-changing event, and he now places a higher priority on developing trust with possible partners and values deeper relationships than ever before.
