UKONS 2016 | Online sex and relationship information for young people living with cancer

Simon Morgan-Jones, CLIC Sargent Services Manager, London, UK, talks about the creation of online resources to supply sex and relationship information for young people living with cancer. He explains how CLIC Sargent’s social care staff to their young people’s network identified that there was a lack of information and resources regarding relationships and sex with cancer in young people. To get the patient’s point of view, an online survey was conducted, which generated an enormous response. Young people felt like it was difficult to speak to a nurse or doctor, and were not getting the answers they needed. In order to rectify this, an online research tool for by young people, and healthcare and social care professionals to support them, was created. This included video content such young person’s columnist and writer Matt Whyman speaking about relationships, personal stories of young people affected by cancer, and a gynecology specialist talking about issues such as painful sex. Furthermore, they have been hosting 2 hour long ask the expert sessions, usually with Matt Whyman, giving young people the opportunity to directly ask questions and get immediate responses. Currently they are looking at expanding this to a week-long build up to a live session for young people to ask questions and instigate discussions. Recorded at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), held in Brighton, UK.