Psychosocial adjustment among husbands of women treated for breast cancer; mastectomy vs. breast-conserving surgery

Couple relationships in families with dependent children after a diagnosis of maternal breast cancer in the United Kingdom: Perspectives from mothers and fathers

“…Couples already experiencing difficulties tend to find the illness as a major additional source of strain on the relationship (Carter, Carter, & Siliunas, 1993;Northouse, 1989). Prolonged emotional distress in either the woman or the partner following diagnosis also contributes to relationship difficulties (Naaman, Radwan, & Johnson, 2009;Omne-Ponten et al, 1993). Sexual difficulties tend to be another risk factor for diminishing quality of couple relationships (Ghizzani, Pirtoli, Bellezza, & Velicogna, 1995).…”

“…One family member's illness is postulated to affect the entire family, and both partners in an intimate relationship are likely to experience distress when one of them has a serious illness (Minuchin, 1974;Northouse, Templin, Mood, & Oberst, 1998). Studies have indicated higher levels of distress and psychological morbidity among partners of women affected by breast cancer compared with the general population (Ben-Zur, Gilbar, & Lev, 2001;Lindholm, Rehnsfeldt, Arman, & Hamrin, 2002;Nakaya et al, 2010;Omne-Ponten, Holmberg, Bergstrom, Sjoden, & Burns, 1993).…”

The psychosocial needs of the cancer sufferer and his support: a nationwide Belgian study

“…Ainsi, la maladie cancé reuse et ses traitements engendrent un dysfonctionnement psychosocial touchant diffé rentes sphè res de la vie des patients [38,[53][54][55]. Les patients peuvent ê tre confronté s à d'importantes difficulté s physiques ayant un impact direct sur leur qualité de vie et sur celle de leur entourage [30,74].…”

Family Development in the Face of Cancer

“…Furthermore, some families of cancer patients express psychological distress as much as, if not more than, the patients (Ferrell, Ervin, Smith, Marek, & Melancon, 2002;Northouse, Mood, Templin, Mellon, & George, 2000;Omne-Ponten, Holmberg, Bergstrom, Sjoden, & Burns, 1993). Researchers have reported that one third to one half of cancer patients meet the diagnostic criteria for a wide range of disorders, including adjustment disorders, affective disorders, and anxiety disorders (Derogatis et al, 1983;Grassi & Rosti, 1996).…”

“…Researchers have reported that one third to one half of cancer patients meet the diagnostic criteria for a wide range of disorders, including adjustment disorders, affective disorders, and anxiety disorders (Derogatis et al, 1983;Grassi & Rosti, 1996). In addition to the direct effects of cancer on families, these negative psychological changes in the patient can influence the quality of the family environment and family adjustment to cancer (Baider, Koch, Esacson, & Kaplan-DeNour, 1998;Ben-Zur, 2001;Omne-Ponten et al, 1993), resulting in decreased closeness in family relationships (Ell, Nishimoto, Morvay, Mantell, & Hamovitch, 1989). Family environments can affect the level of the patient's and family members' distress.…”