How and when to ask for help (SPARC)

Concerns about continence, pain or intimacy are no less valid than any other health concern. We understand that it can be difficult to talk to your medical team about these concerns, and we appreciate that.

To help you to see your GP without revealing all your sensitive details to your practice reception team, you might find this phrasing helpful:

“I’d like to see the GP to help me manage the pelvic consequences of my cancer treatment”

To open up the conversation with your healthcare professional, this approach might help:

• “I was reading an article about how people with cancer sometimes have concerns about sex. Is there anyone I could talk to more about that? Do you know of any resources that could help?’”
• or you could take this guide to your appointment and use it as a prompt.

Writing down your questions and taking them to your appointment can also be helpful.

Please remember this won’t be the first time someone has asked us these questions and we want to help you. There is no judgement. These conversations are private.

For more information about getting the most out of appointments: www.patients-association.org.uk/getting-the-most-out-of-your-appointment

Sometimes it is hard to know when to ask for help.

Information on this website may help guide you on when a symptom is “normal” and when you may need more support or advice.

However, if you are worried about anything, please seek advice from your cancer team or GP.