A new podcast series launching on Valentine’s Day seeks to break down breast cancer’s ‘last taboo’, with a panel of experts and women who have, or have had the disease taking an unflinching look at the impact on their love lives and intimate relationships.
The Sex and the Titty podcast explores the challenges of intimacy in the face of a battle with breast cancer and the impact it has not only on relationships but also on the body image and self-love of women coming to grips with a diagnosis.
Divided into four episodes – all appropriately named after Take That songs – the podcast launches this week. Proceeds will support Prevent Breast Cancer and Make 2nds Count, a UK-wide secondary (metastatic) breast cancer charity.
Aptly named ‘Patience’, the first episode of the podcast discusses sexuality and intimacy. Secondary breast cancer patient Jackie Wilson, who unfortunately has passed away since the recording of the podcast, reflects on her wife’s support during the process and the challenges many face when their relationships come under strain in the midst of their diagnosis. In the third episode, Sarah, her wife, also reflects on the changes breast cancer had on Jackie:
“Being Jackie’s carer and partner, of course you see a different side to her, but I saw a different side to her that I loved even more. She wasn’t only my wife and the mother of my children but a warrior who had battled cancer and I loved her even more for that.”
In addition to the impact on intimate relationships, the podcast also navigates subjects including changes to a woman’s body and sense of identity. In episode three, married couple Jeanette and Paul are among panellists discussing what Jeanette describes as “an attack on [her] femininity” – the loss of her hair and a breast as a result of chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Paul discusses the emotional impact on partners and poignantly describes the moment Jennette sent him a photo of her shaved hair, reflecting; “I was shocked about the change and felt guilty for feeling shocked because Jeanette seemed fine with it. I had always loved her hair.”
Paul goes on to explain how Jeanette’s breast cancer led to him “falling in love with her all over again” but the discussion goes on to examine Jeanette’s efforts to come to terms with the changes to her life, and her body, as panellists discuss the pros and cons of reconstructive surgery and its impacts on intimacy and body confidence.
The fourth episode of Sex and the Titty also explores the tools available to women with breast cancer seeking advice on intimacy and body image, with guests offering stark warnings about the dangers of ‘Dr Google’ and social media. Professor Annice Mukherjee, an internationally renowned hormone specialist and author, reflects that social media can be both good and bad as it can provide the forum and support many women need to feel confident talking about these subjects:
“Sometimes we just need to understand the language of a topic and be confident in voicing out your concerns to your medical team. These conversations will hopefully make you feel more empowered to seek help and not feel embarrassed about it.”
The podcast is the brainchild of fundraiser Margo Cornish, founder of the BooBee Campaign, an annual fundraiser for Prevent Breast Cancer in Greater Manchester. Margo also co-produced the podcast with Jamie Griffiths and Kyle Evans from Golden Cat Studios. She explained:
“My discussions with breast cancer patients over a number of years drew parallels that couldn’t be ignored – sex and intimacy are continually put on the back burner for many people, and discussing these issues can become a taboo even in the most loving relationships, in the aftermath of a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Issues like body image and self-confidence can create long-term barriers to returning to a normal life, even after a breast cancer battle has been won, and we wanted to create a space for women to share these experiences in an open discussion.
“The podcast is a crucial step to getting the conversation about intimacy’s role in cancer diagnosis and survival out in the open. The podcast helps open up those important conversations, whether that’s with other women who are going through breast cancer, or with partners struggling to navigate delicate questions, or simply to offer support and reassurance that talking about intimacy, sex and self-love is a crucial part of every woman’s journey.”
Jo Lloyd, a former Smooth Radio North West presenter and the podcast’s host, reflected:
“Opening up dialogue with these amazing women, experts and partners was eye-opening. This podcast provides a new direction for many of these women who previously only discussed these topics behind closed doors. I am honoured to be hosting this and look forward to hearing other woman’s experiences once they have listened to it.”
Sex and the Titty is available for streaming on all major podcasting platforms including Spotify, Amazon and Apple Music from this Friday, 14th February.
