A cancer survivor is encouraging people not to be "frightened or embarrassed" when talking about the illness.

It comes as a poll carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support reveals sex and relationships are the biggest taboo issues relating to the illness in Kent and the south east, with 61% saying they would find them difficult to talk about.

Anxiety, depression and bowel and bladder problems are also common side effects seen as taboo by many.

The leading charity is worried this shame and stigma is putting people at risk of deteriorating their physical and mental health.

Leanne Clark Page, from Rochester, was diagnosed with womb cancer in June, 2017 as she and her wife Lauren were planning to start IVF treatment.

The 36-year-old said: “It was the feeling of loneliness for me and that other people were too frightened or embarrassed to talk about my diagnosis - especially men because they think it is a ‘female’ cancer.”

Leanne was desperate to try alternative treatments before a hysterectomy, so she could carry her own child.

She added: “Lots of my friends and family didn’t want to talk about this because they didn’t want me to feel pressurised to make a decision which I could perhaps blame them for.

"It was a very isolating time.”

Now six months in the clear, Leanne is planning her future with Lauren while also trying to encourage others to talk about cancer.

Ben Hearnden, Macmillan prostate cancer clinic nurse specialist at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It’s really sad that despite dealing with a serious illness, people are too embarrassed to ask for help with related physical and financial problems and their mental wellbeing.

“Patients I work with often experience problems with incontinence, erectile dysfunction and relationships.

"These are some of the topics they feel most embarrassed to approach, but not addressing these issues can have a huge impact on physical and emotional health, and in some instances, even treatment outcomes.

Another clinical nurse at East Kent, Kim Peate, said: “A cancer diagnosis will always affect your mental health.

“Many people do not want to open up to their family - they are concerned it will worry them - but I build up trust with my patients and they will often talk to me as their nurse when they won’t talk to anyone else.

“It’s almost like a ripple effect. The more people avoid talking about their concerns the larger these issues can become to someone.

"I would say to anyone, reach out, talk to someone, hat is what we are here for, to support and help.”

To contact Macmillan Cancer Support call 0808 808 00 00.

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