“Just for Men”: A Nurse Navigator’s Solution for Breast Cancer Partners

November 2018 Vol 9, NO 11
Marina Marvin, RN
Sarah Cannon, Lone Tree, CO

Background: A diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) impacts the entire family, especially the male partner of the patient. When there is a BC diagnosis, partners become caregivers; they are vulnerable to stress, relationship issues, and managing the complexity of the family and face issues about cancer care information and survivorship. Male caregiver anxiety impacts their coping and quality of life (QOL). According to Fisher,1 nearly half of the partners of young breast cancer survivors experience anxiety.

Objective: Patients have many support groups during their journey from diagnosis to survivorship. These groups offer insight; patients are “not alone,” allowing for the creation of a “pink sisterhood” to share, support, and advocate for each other. Unfortunately, the male partner’s needs are overlooked, and support groups for caregivers are limited.

Male caregivers want to support their partners and will attend a family support group to seek out support. How­ever, many are uncomfortable to discuss their feelings in front of their loved one and children out of fear of showing helplessness, loss of control, impatience, or vulnerability.

Partners of BC Patients Support Group pilot, created in 2017 and led by the nurse navigator (NN), was comprised of male caregivers of BC patients. This group provided a place for support, compassion, sharing of experiences, and advocating for each other as they went through the journey with their loved one. According to the American Cancer Society,2 studies have shown that survival may be better for those with good social support.

Methods: March-July 2017: NN introduction and education with patient and family begin at the surgical consultation. Information about BC patient support group discussed, and Partners of BC Patients Support Group pilot was reviewed and flyer provided to the caregiver. The pilot group, led by NN, was successful, with positive verbal feedback from caregivers. Therefore, in January 2018, a Partner of BC Patients Support Group was established and takes place monthly on the hospital campus.

Results: A discussion with the partners was carried out on their opinion of a male-only caregiver support group during March-July 2017. During this first discussion, 25 random male caregivers were asked if they would have interest in a support group. Eighteen answered “yes,” 5 requested “time to think about the group,” and 2 opted out. A pilot of the support group for male caregivers of BC patients took place during August-December 2017. The mean monthly attendance was 3 individuals.

It was determined from these results to continue the program; it was an excellent outlet to discuss their experiences and share coping strategies with other BC partners. Monthly meetings for male partners commenced in January 2018, and current average monthly attendance is 3 to 5 persons. A conference call-in option is also available with each session.

Conclusion: Male caregivers need and want to help their partners. They also need support for themselves. According to Silver,3 “there is no one way to be a breast cancer husband. Really, it’s whatever she wants you to be,” and “to be there for your wife and to listen to what she has to say, that is the essence of your job.”

A discussion topic for a future cohort study is to assess the support group impact on male caregiver QOL and anxiety.


References

  1. Fisher A. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Nearly Half of Partners of Young Breast Cancer Survivors Experience Anxiety; Underlying Factors Identified. www.asco.org/about-asco/press-center/news-releases/nearly-half-partners-young-breast-cancer-survivors-experience. January 23, 2017. Accessed June 25, 2018.
  2. American Cancer Society. When Someone You Know Has Cancer. www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/talking-about-cancer/when-someone-you-know-has-cancer.html. 2016. Accessed June 30, 2018.
  3. Silver M. Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books; 2004.
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Last modified: August 10, 2023

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