‘All I can do is help’: Transition experiences of male spouse caregivers of women with breast cancer

Montford, Kelly Struthers; Duggleby, Wendy; Cumming, Ceinwen E.; Thomas, Roanne; Nekolaichuk, Cheryl; Ghosh, Sunita; Tonkin, Katia

doi:10.5737/23688076264312317

Cited by 16 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The concept of post-traumatic growth is documented in cancer literature. Montford et al (2014) looked at the post-treatment growth in husbands of breast cancer survivors and found that this is positively associated with general social support, greater marital support and greater positive life changes in the participants' partners.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Men’s experience of their partners’ breast cancer diagnosis, breast surgery and oncological treatment

A¹,

Scerri

Catania

2019

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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Aims and objectives To investigate the experiences of male partners of female breast cancer patients who had undergone surgery and oncological treatment and who were still raising children. Background Research on the psychological effects of breast cancer has focused primarily on the patients undergoing treatment, neglecting the effect of such a condition on their closest family members. This study addresses this gap by focusing on understanding the effects of this disease on male partners of these patients. Design An interpretative phenomenological approach was used. Methods Eight males whose female partners were diagnosed with primary breast cancer between the ages of 30 and 55 and who had young children still living at home at the time were interviewed by the first author of this article. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an interpretative phenomenological framework, in accordance with the guidelines in the COREQ checklist for qualitative studies. Results Participants emphasized the difficulties they faced in trying to juggle work and family responsibilities while offering support to their partners, a task they felt ill‐prepared for. At times, they felt excluded by their partners and worried about the impact of the disease on their children. A common fear was that of recurrence of the disease, and while some discussed the financial difficulties associated with treating the disease, others saw it as enhancing the potential for their personal and couple growth. Conclusions This study adds to the topic by uncovering the perspectives of male partners of breast cancer patients and the effects of their partner’s condition on them and their families. Relevance to clinical practice The results of this study can be used to inform policy when providing holistic care. They also highlight the importance of counselling and support interventions for partners of breast cancer patients.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Men’s experience of their partners’ breast cancer diagnosis, breast surgery and oncological treatment

A¹,

Scerri

Catania

2019

Journal of Clinical Nursing

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“…The intervention framework (see Figure 1) for the study was based on transition theory (Meilis, 2010), a study of factors influencing male spouse QOL (Duggleby et al, 2015), and a qualitative study of transitions (Struthers-Montford et al, 2016). Transition theory suggests that significant changes result in disruptions in the lives of the male spouses of women with breast cancer.…”

Section: Intervention Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Note. Based on information from Duggleby et al, 2015;Meilis, 2010;Struthers-Montford et al, 2016. (a) becoming aware of the changes in their situation, (b) fostering a positive approach, and (c) becoming involved with the care of their spouse with breast cancer (Struthers-Montford et al, 2016). These three processes were the foundation for the intervention components.…”

Section: Figure 1 Male Transition Toolkit Framework and Componentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…ale spouses of women with breast cancer undergo sudden changes as a result of their partner's diagnosis (Duggleby, Bally, Cooper, Doell, & Thomas, 2012;Duggleby et al, 2015;Struthers-Montford et al, 2016), including changes in their roles, responsibilities, relationship to their partner, and mental health (Duggleby et al, 2015). They also can feel powerless, uncertain, and isolated (Duggleby, Bally, et al, 2012;Duggleby et al, 2015;Zahlis & Lewis, 2010).…”

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confidence: 99%

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Feasibility Study of an Online Intervention to Support Male Spouses of Women With Breast Cancer

Duggleby¹,

Ghosh²,

Montford³

et al. 2017

ONF

Self Cite

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“…Being the next-of-kin to someone with cancer who requires palliative care entails a complex life situation. The next-of-kin can experience changes in roles and relationships and try to adapt by actively being involved in that person’s experience and, even if it is difficult, try to maintain a positive outlook [ 2 ]. Living with incurable cancer implies that life is drawing towards its end, which can cause great conflicts both for patients and next-of-kin as it resembles a finitude that is difficult to adapt to [ 3 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Constructing stability - a classic grounded theory of next-of-kin in palliative cancer care

Harstäde

Sandgren

2020

BMC Palliat Care

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Background: Being next-of-kin to someone with cancer requiring palliative care involves a complex life situation. Changes in roles and relationships might occur and the next-of-kin thereby try to adapt by being involved in the ill person's experiences and care even though they can feel unprepared for the care they are expected to provide. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a classic grounded theory of next-of-kin in palliative cancer care. Method: Forty-two next-of-kin to persons with cancer in palliative phase or persons who had died from cancer were interviewed. Theoretical sampling was used during data collection. The data was analysed using classic Grounded Theory methodology to conceptualize patterns of human behaviour. Results: Constructing stability emerged as the pattern of behaviour through which next-of-kin deal with their main concern; struggling with helplessness. This helplessness includes an involuntary waiting for the inevitable. The waiting causes sadness and frustration, which in turn increases the helplessness. The theory involves; Shielding, Acknowledging the reality, Going all in, Putting up boundaries, Asking for help, and Planning for the inescapable. These strategies can be used separately or simultaneously and they can also overlap each other. There are several conditions that may impact the theory Constructing stability, which strategies are used, and what the outcomes might be. Some conditions that emerged in this theory are time, personal finances, attitudes from extended family and friends and availability of healthcare resources. Conclusions: The theory shows the complexities of being next-of-kin to someone receiving palliative care, while striving to construct stability. This theory can increase healthcare professionals' awareness of how next-of-kin struggle with helplessness and thus generates insight into how to support them in this struggle.

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‘All I can do is help’: Transition experiences of male spouse caregivers of women with breast cancer

Cited by 16 publications

References 12 publications

Men’s experience of their partners’ breast cancer diagnosis, breast surgery and oncological treatment

Men’s experience of their partners’ breast cancer diagnosis, breast surgery and oncological treatment

Feasibility Study of an Online Intervention to Support Male Spouses of Women With Breast Cancer

Constructing stability - a classic grounded theory of next-of-kin in palliative cancer care

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