Although the person diagnosed is impacted the most, a breast cancer diagnosis can have far-reaching effects. Family, spouses/partners and other loved ones—often called co-survivors—can also be affected, having many of the same emotions as the person diagnosed: shock, sadness, fear, anger and denial.
Co-survivors can be powerful sources of support through diagnosis, treatment and recovery. At the same time, these loved ones may also need social support to help them get through the experience. Spouses and partners especially may need support. Along with the many issues related to caring for a loved one with cancer come difficult relationship issues of loss, need, control, sexuality and altered body image. Strong support—both formal and informal—can help spouses and partners work through such issues as they move forward.
Support for spouses and partners
Talking with Your Partner
PDF, 130KB
The Well-Spouse Foundation, the Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer, the American Cancer Society and Gilda's Club are among the organizations that offer support groups designed for the spouses and partners of people living with cancer.
- The Well-Spouse Foundation provides social support to spouses and partners of individuals with chronic illness through letter writing, conferences and support groups. For more information, visit www.wellspouse.org or call 1-800-838-0879..
- The Mautner Project for Lesbians with Cancer offers social support services including support groups for lesbian women and their partners who are living with cancer. For more information, visit www.mautnerproject.org or call 1-866-MAUTNER (1-866-628-8637).
- The American Cancer Society's "I Can Cope" program supports people living with breast cancer as well as spouses and partners dealing with cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. For more information, visit www.cancer.org or call 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345).
- Gilda's Club offers support services to people living with cancer and their family and friends through a network of physical clubhouses across the country. For more information, visit www.gildasclub.org or call -888-GILDA-4-U (1-888-445-3248).
Support for children
Talking with Your Children
PDF, 132KB
Children may have powerful emotional responses to a parent's breast cancer diagnosis. Below are some things to keep in mind about children's responses to breast cancer [1].
Children need to be told about the situation in a way that is suited to their age and state of mind—if they are not told by an adult, children will fill in the gaps with their imagination.
Children need to be involved in family discussions and decision-making related to a parent's breast cancer.
Children need to feel comfortable asking questions about breast cancer.
Children need to be watched for signs of emotional distress, both at home and at school.
Some children may benefit from support groups that are designed for children who have a parent with cancer. To find such a support group, contact your local cancer center, American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345) or Gilda's Club (1-888-GILDA-4-U).
Updated 05/13/09
