Surviving Cancer and Family Costs: Examining the Needs of Spouses

Abstract

Aggressive cancers are devastating diseases that leave fractured lives in their wake. Many of these cancers are treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT), an option that can potentially cure one's cancer but may leave the patient with reduced functioning years after the cancer diagnosis ceases to be a threat. Most BMT research attention is focused on keeping the cancer patient alive. When the focus shifts to psychosocial inquiry, the patient remains at the center of studies as researchers work to determine how one recovers from life-threatening illnesses and how to reduce the long-term complications. When social supports are discussed, family and spouses tend to be viewed as a resource of support. Few studies have examined how the patient's treatment and recovery influence the life satisfaction of spouses and family members. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the quality of life of transplant spouses.

Impacto do câncer parental no desenvolvimento psicológico dos filhos: uma revisão da literatura

“…As investigações centram-se predominantemente no impacto do câncer dos filhos nos seus pais (Goldbeck, 2001;McGrath & Chesler, 2004), no impacto do câncer parental em filhos crianças e adolescentes (Harris & Zakowsky, 2003;Lewis, 2004;Osborn, 2007), e esmagadoramente em cônjuges de pacientes (Case, 2004;Chen, Chu, & Chen, 2004;Colgrove, Kim, & Thompson, 2007;Harden, 2005;Pitceathly & Maguire, 2003;Wagner, Bigatti, & Storniolo, 2006). Neste sentido, Welch, Wadsworth e Compas (1996) estudaram o impacto de um diagnóstico de câncer parental sobre as crianças e adolescentes, tendo verificado que apesar de os pais não percepcionarem qualquer distress nos filhos (6-18 anos de idade) após o diagnóstico, estes tiveram cotações altas em indicadores de ansiedade, depressão e agressividade.…”

Comparison of lasting life changes after cancer and BMT: perspectives of long‐term survivors and spouses

“…Adverse effects to families during this time are profound 5–10. Additional sequelae have been reported through the first year or two after transplant 11–14, largely as a result of caregiving, role changes, and unmet expectations. One might assume that many of the adverse effects on spouse quality of life experienced in the first year or two would resolve with time as the care‐recipient increasingly resumes former roles and responsibilities and the likelihood for long‐term survival increases.…”

“…To do so, we conducted individual qualitative interviews with a representative subset of spouses from the original sample to identify long‐lasting changes, both positive and negative, experienced by the spouses, and to compare those changes with those described by their partners (the survivors). Qualitative methodology has been used in this area previously 10–13 and is most appropriate when (1) an area of study is new and it is unclear if available quantitative measures adequately address issues pertinent to the new population, (2) the main purpose of a study is to generate ideas for future study (including development of new quantitative measures and intervention studies), and (3) needed to assist in the interpretation of quantitative data, such as those from our previous study; all reasons are pertinent to this study.…”

When a parent has cancer: An examination of the lived experience of adult children living at home

“…"Cancer is not a disease of just one person," writes Lewis (1993, p. 127). Rather, it affects the family as well as the patient (Case, 2004;. Certainly, the cancer diagnosis marks a pivotal event in John's life.…”

“…These few investigations have focused predominantly on the impact of cancer on parents whose offspring have cancer (Goldbeck, 2001;McGrath & Chesler, 2004), the impact of parental cancer on children and adolescents (Harris & Zakowsky, 2003;Lewis, Hammond, & Woods, 1992;Osborn, 2007), and overwhelmingly on spouses of cancer patients (Case, 2004 For example, Welch, Wadsworth, and Compass (1996) examined the impact of a parental cancer diagnosis on children and adolescents. The authors found that while parents did not perceive any distress in their children (6 to 10 year olds) and adolescents (11-18 year olds) following the diagnosis, adolescents and children scored high in anxiety/depression and aggression measures.…”