Relationships in Women with Breast Cancer

Background and aim: For many women, the diagnosis of breast cancerrepresents not only a major physical battle, but also the ultimate emotionalchallenge -- one that affects every relationship in our life.Indeed, for somewomen, breast cancer can be the catalyst that turns casual friendships into deepand meaningful bonds, that brings couples closer, that helps the family unitbecome stronger and more cohesive.Material& methods:This study was conducted by library source and paperindexed in medline about sexual problems in women undergoes chemotherapy,radiation or only surgical procedures to treat her breast cancer, sexual intimacycan be a source of newfound worry.Findings: The Cancer Survivor s Network, an American Cancer Societysupport program, advises women with breast cancer to open up dialogue withtheir significant other as soon as possible after diagnosis. Couples and those innew relationships are encouraged to discuss the intimacy challenges cancertreatment can bring, how these challenges may impact the relationship, andwhat they can do to improve intimacy. For women in a relationship,communication is key. According to a study of 147 patients and 127 partnerspublished in Psycho-Oncology, mutual constructive communication wasassociated with less distress and more relationship satisfaction for both patientand partner. Results: This study suggests that interventions designed to help women withbreast cancer improve the quality of their relationships could have an impact onbreast cancer outcomes.

Keywords:

breast cancer , relationships