As young adults, handling relationships can be challenging, as we are often in transformative periods within our lives. But on top of managing schoolwork, careers, and life, experiencing a cancer diagnosis can lead to a whole new set of love life complications. On this episode of Life on Pause, our host Megan speaks with several guests who have experienced cancer diagnosis' about the challenges of navigating love and relationships throughout their cancer journey.

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. Within this episode, listeners can hear from individuals who have experienced cancer about how they handled their relationships along with their diagnosis and treatment experiences. Megan speaks with these guests and their partners about how the diagnosis affected them, their relationship issues, and the lessons they learned along the way.

Listen to Megan and her guests discuss cancer, relationships, and love:

Guest Introductions (1:39)

Megan Dressler introduces herself and her husband and speaks about their relationship and how her leukemia diagnosis in 2017 affected it. She then has her guest speakers introduce themselves. She asks them about their relationship status, how long they have been with their significant other if they have one, and what one thing would be that they are looking for in a relationship or love about their partners.

The guest speakers included within this episode feature young adults who have experienced cancer and its effects on their relationships. Guests speak about cancer's influence on their love life and past and current relationship issues.

Cancer and Relationships (8:47)

In this podcast segment, guest speakers provide their answers to the question, "How did your diagnosis affect your relationship? In what ways was it hard, and in what ways was it easier?"

From additional strains on already long-distance relationships to difficult talks about fertility to spending hours together in the hospital, speakers share their stories about how their cancer journeys affected their romantic partnerships and the relationship issues that they experienced.

Love Lessons (14:47)

Learning to communicate, practice self-love, and accept support are critical factors in resolving relationship issues. For young adults experiencing cancer, the effects of their diagnosis can cause them to learn these vital love lessons in unique and challenging ways.

Megan and her guests discuss the most significant things they learned through their experiences as cancer patients regarding their love life and what they wanted in their relationships. Guests share the lessons they and their significant others learned about commitment, partnerships, and love.

Loved Ones Speak Out (21:17)

During the final segment of this episode, Megan addresses her guest's significant others. She asks them to explain how their partner's cancer diagnosis affected them and their initial thoughts upon learning of the diagnosis.

Guest's partners discussed the lengths they had to go for love throughout the cancer experience, such as making life-altering decisions to be there for their significant others. Speakers described the fear they experienced regarding the possible loss of their loved ones and the difficulty of holding back emotions to stay strong for their partners.