Emotional support for men and women with cancer: Do patients receive what their partners provide?

Abstract

such as their network of friends or professional help, may need to be identified. A couple-coping intervention could be implemented to help partners learn about each other's needs in times of crisis and ways to cope with adversity. Key words: social support, spouses, cancer, coping, couples, dyadic copingDiagnosis and treatment of cancer are challenging to both patients and their partners. An acute medical situation can turn into a chronic condition when treatment is not successful or when side effects of surgery and therapy lead to severe life constraints. Patients may live with a constant threat of recurrence, experience compromised quality of life, and undergo vocational, emotional, and social changes. In these times of need, partners play an important role in patients'