LB40
The worries and experiences of the partners of women diagnosed with breast cancer
David Samuel, Diane Jehu, Peter Braithwaite
Prince Charles Hospital, Merthyr Tydfil, UK
Background
The diagnosis of Breast Cancer brings physical and psychological and social
burdens to the patient and their partner. Partners often attend appointments
but sometimes feel excluded from decision making and ill-informed regarding
treatment and prognosis.
Aim
We aimed to evaluate the involvement and experience of the partners of
female Breast Cancer patients attending the Breast Cancer Service and to assess
whether there was a need for change in service provision.
Method
A questionnaire based quantitative study was conducted. A random cohort of
partners were sent postal questionnaires to complete. Responses remained
anonymous to the authors. One hundred and seventeen surveys were sent to
partners and we received fifty two responses.
Results
A high proportion of partners attended all consultations and felt very
involved in discussions and decision making. Partners experience a variety of
emotions which need to be addressed. Partners took increased responsibility in
day-daily family life but neither their perception of their partners body image
nor their relationships deteriorated as a result of the diagnosis or treatment.
One respondent consistently reported negative outcomes and experiences of the
Breast Care service.
Conclusion
Partners wish to be involved in all stages of consultation, diagnosis and
treatment as this makes them feel well informed and part of the solution.
Partners maintained a positive perception of the patients physical appearance
and the majority felt their relationship grew stronger. Partners experience a
variety of feelings which should be discussed within consultations. Fear of
intimacy was prominent in partners after surgery had been carried out.
Involving partners at all stages of treatment and consultations creates a high level of satisfaction, improves the level of understanding and allows the partners to support the patient without creating added stress or anxiety. The cost effectiveness of providing a partner support group which would have limited uptake has to be balanced against striving to provide better partner support, information and advice within consultations.
