The experience of male spouses in the context of breast cancer: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review is to look into how the experience of husbands of women treated for breast cancer is approached in the literature. Between July and August 2015, the databases of PubMed, SciELO and BIREME were searched for papers published in the period January 2005-July 2015; a final sample of 23 papers was defined. The studies listed several negative and positive aspects of the experience, such as financial difficulties, psychological distress, lack of coping skills among family members, social recognition of the role of caregiver, acquisition of new responsibilities and the maturing of family members.

“I Was There With Her”: Experiences of Mothers of Women With Breast Cancer

“…The evolution of empirically based understanding of how breast cancer impacts the family, in particular, family quality of life, is ongoing (Ginter & Radina, 2014;Keitel, Lamm, & Moadel-Robblee, 2017;Mellon, 2002;Mellon & Northouse, 2001;Nissen, Trevino, Lange, & Prigerson, 2016;Raveis & Pretter, 2005). The research that explores family roles and relationships in the context of breast cancer focuses on issues such as participation in treatment decision making (Barbosa Lopes et al, 2018;Fobair & Zabora, 1995;Ginter & Braun, 2014), family communication patterns both prior to and after the breast cancer diagnosis (Asbury, Lalayiannis, & Walshe, 2014; Barnes et al, 2000;Ginter & Braun, 2017), relatives' coping mechanisms post-diagnosis (Manning & Radina, 2015;Radina & Armer, 2001;Weingarten & Worthen, 2017), negotiating self-care and time management during treatment for side effects of breast cancer (Radina, Armer, & Stewart, 2014), and the family's role as either a supportive or distressing unit (Ginter & Braun, 2017;Northouse, Katapodi, Schafenacker, & Weiss, 2012;Spencer et al, 1999).…”

The caring experience and supportive care needs of male partners for women with gynaecologic cancer: A qualitative literature review

“…Spousal caregivers are usually identified as the most supportive individuals available to these cancer patients (Rossen et al, 2016), even though they have to bear double pressure compared with nonspousal caregivers in dealing with family adjustments and changes (Hwang et al, 2003). A recent systematic review on the experience of husbands of women with breast cancer showed that the husbands often experienced significant changes with regard to their emotional feelings, working status and family life (Lopes et al, 2017). Harden et al (2013) found that spouses reported low sexual satisfaction and poor quality of life 36 months after a diagnosis of cancer.…”

The Lived Experiences of the Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors: Psychosocial Difficulties and Changes

“…Similarly, in the study, male partners stated that emotional difficulties, changes in responsibilities the household chores and work life, worries about caring to children, and changes in relationship with their partner as impact of breast cancer (21). A systematic review study showed that the male spouses experienced negative changes in the area of emotional, financial and family life in the breast cancer treatment period (22). Besides drawing attention to the difficulties undergone by the partners, it is also stated that partners experienced positive changes such as the strengthening of the relationship, spiritual development and personal growth after breast cancer (16,19,20,21,22).…”