Cancer and Relationship Dissolution: Perspective of Partners of Cancer Patients

Abstract

PurposeCancer can be a burden on the relationship and even lead to relationship dissolution. Previous studies about the impact of cancer on close relationships almost exclusively involve cancer patients. So far, little is known about the views of spouses. Therefore, this study focuses on partners or ex-partners of cancer patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, N = 265 partners or ex-partners of cancer patients are examined regarding a possible separation, the reasons for separation and the influence of the cancer on the relationship. In addition, predictors of separation and the positive or negative perception of the impact of cancer on the relationship were investigated.ResultsThe separation rate (23.4%) was marginally lower than in the general population in Germany (35.79%). The most frequent reason for separation was the death of the cancer patient (59.6%), followed by relationship problems (26.9%), and the cancer disease itself (9.6%). Among those who were separated, 57.4% reported that cancer contributed to the separation. On average, the influence of cancer on relationship dissolution is indicated with 82.9%. Also, for those who stayed together, 83.7% reported an impact of the cancer on the relationship, of which 55.9% reported a negative impact. Logistic regressions indicated that higher levels of depression were associated with greater odds of a more negative perception of the influence of cancer on the relationship, whereas a more satisfied relationship tended to be associated with a more positive perception. Those who had no psychological treatment in the past, lower anxiety levels and lower relationship satisfaction had an increased risk of separation. Overall, relationship satisfaction was significantly lower than in the general population in Germany.ConclusionIn particular, psychological factors such as depression and anxiety as well as relationship satisfaction appear to be factors influencing separation and the perception of the influence of cancer on the relationship as positive or negative. Therefore, it seems to be reasonable to consider these aspects in the psychosocial support and also to include the partners in order to achieve a stable and satisfied relationship which has a positive effect on health and psychological well-being.

Live birth rate after female fertility preservation for cancer or haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the three main techniques; embryo, oocyte and ovarian tissue cryopreservation

“…Nevertheless, the main issue with embryo cryopreservation in FP is the loss of autonomy for women who wish to preserve their fertility. Indeed, a high percentage of couples may break up, not to mention the possible death of a partner, raising ethical and legal concerns about the remaining embryos ( Nalbant et al , 2021 ). In a recent prospective study, women were more likely to vitrify oocytes or split their oocytes and only fertilize half of them after receiving clear information on legal aspects.…”

The role of partner support for health behaviours in people living with and beyond cancer: A qualitative study

“…However, as partners are often considered the primary source of support for many people LWBC, the challenges that this can present over time can also be detrimental to relationships. Research exploring perspectives of partners of those LWBC found the burden of cancer to be a contributing factor to relationship dissolution in over 50% of cases where separation occurred [37]. In our study, participants were married for 25-50 years, indicating high levels of compatibility.…”

“…Research exploring perspectives of partners of those LWBC found the burden of cancer to be a contributing factor to relationship dissolution in over 50% of cases where separation occurred. 37 In our study, participants were married for 25-50 years, indicating high levels of compatibility. In younger couples or in relationships where coping strategies are not shared, research has shown higher levels of psychosocial distress following a cancer diagnosis, 38 which negatively correlates to quality of life and cancer-related mortality.…”

Krebs – Auswirkungen auf die Partnerschaft und Sexualität

“…Ein hoher psychischer Disstress kann die Partnerschaftszufriedenheit beeinträchtigen [6] und somit negative Auswirkungen auf das Paar und die gegenseitige Unterstützung haben [1]. Hinzu kommen die dauerhaften Krankheitsfolgen wie Rollenveränderungen, Belastungen, unzureichende Krankheitsverarbeitung oder herausfordernde Interaktionsprozesse und partnerschaftliche Kommunikation.…”

“…Obwohl einige Paare auch positive Auswirkungen beschreiben, im Sinne einer Kohäsion und posttraumatischen Wachstums (z. B. wir sind ein gutes Team, ich kann mich auf den anderen verlassen, der andere ist für mich da), kann eine Krebserkrankung auch negative Auswirkungen auf die Partnerschaft haben [6] und eine große Herausforderung für die partnerschaftliche Kommunikation darstellen. Zudem können interpersonelle Konflikte, Rollenveränderungen, die Auswirkungen auf die Lebens-und Zukunftsplanung, Einschränkungen bisheriger (Paar-)Aktivitäten bis hin zur sozialen Isolation, finanzielle Belastungen sowie Belastungen der partnerschaftlichen und sexuellen Zufriedenheit auftreten.…”