Survey Of Breast Cancer Patients Reveals Strains On Relationships, UK

Main Category: Breast Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 30 Oct 2007 - 6:00 PDT

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A survey by Cancerbackup among women who have, or have had, breast cancer reveals that many cancer patients are not only dealing with treatment but also the breakdown of their relationships at the same time.

One third of respondents reported that having cancer had affected the relationship with their husband or partner in some way. Although some had found the cancer experience had brought them closer together to their partner, one in six of these women reported that they had been separated or divorced from their partner / husband during or after breast cancer treatment. Many also reported that friendships were also affected with some friends seemingly unable to cope and therefore losing touch.

Kim Hardwick Senior Nurse at Cancerbackup said: -

"A serious illness like breast cancer can strain any relationship, but for a significant number the strain proves too much and the relationship breaks down.

Cancerbackup offers information on all aspects of cancer including support on how to deal with the emotional effects, not just for the person with cancer but for their partners and all those around them.

Anyone can call the Cancerbackup freephone Helpline on 0808 800 1234 and talk these issues through in confidence with our experienced cancer nurses."

The survey also looked at other areas of life that breast cancer affected. Of the women surveyed, nearly half felt that their employment prospects had suffered due to their cancer. Within the women aged 50 or under (half of the respondents) a higher number, 62%, stated that their employment prospects had suffered.

"Financial issues are a primary concern for many women as well as men and many women want to resume their 'normal' lives as soon as possible. Employers need to be aware that, when a member of staff is diagnosed with breast cancer there is every likelihood that she will be able to return to work." says Kim Hardwick senior nurse at Cancerbackup.

"Some women may want to work through their cancer treatment and can do this provided they are supported by their work place. Companies need to be aware of this and Cancerbackup has guidelines and advice for both employers and employees to ensure that when someone is diagnosed with cancer they are supported and helped to return to work."

The vast majority of the women surveyed discovered their cancer either through self examination at home (63%) or a routine mammogram (29%).A small number also reported that their lump was first noticed by their husband or partner.

Roughly half of the women aged under 50 who took part in the survey reported that their ability to have children had been affected by their cancer and its treatment.

Visit http://www.whatnow.org to follow Cancerbackup's interactive What Now? campaign, highlighting issues around breast cancer this month.

1. Cancerbackup is the only national charity that specialises in providing information on all types of cancer.

2. All Cancerbackup services are free to cancer patients, their relatives and friends.

3. Cancerbackup Freephone Information Service: 0808 800 1234 (Mon-Fri, 9am-8pm). Cancerbackup Centres can be found in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Charing Cross Hospital, the London Clinic, The Christie Hospital, Ipswich Hospital, Nottingham City Hospital, Coventry's University Hospital and Jersey. The charity's website can be found at http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk

4. Cancerbackup, as a charity, receives 54% of its funding from individuals, 11% from charitable trusts, 5% from grants, 14% from companies, 2% from investments and 14% from its trading company. Pharmaceutical companies contributed 9% of the total 2005/06 income.

5. In April 2006 Cancerbackup changed its name from CancerBACUP, so that the charity's name better represents the service the charity provides: information, understanding and support to anyone affected by cancer.

6. The survey was conducted online during September and October and was completed by 114 women who have, or had breast cancer.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk

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