How does breast cancer impact marriages?
We need women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who have had a previous benign breast biopsy to help us find the answer. Please consider participating in Social Determinants of Marital Status Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer. The answers will hopefully lead to future care that helps both partners cope with breast cancer.
Studies have suggested that strong spousal support following a breast cancer diagnosis is associated with better mental health outcomes (e.g. less depression, stress and anxiety) compared to women whose marital relationship is unstable. As well, research has shown that women impacted with a serious illness are at a greater risk of divorce.
A woman who has survived a diagnosis of breast cancer may benefit from health-care support that is focused on both her and her spouse's joint healing. Thus, investigating divorce-rates and social influences may help health professionals (e.g. nurses, doctors, social workers) identify couples who may require greater support during the diagnosis of breast cancer.
We are conducting this research study in order to better understand marital status among 150 breast cancer survivors. We are comparing the marital relationships of breast cancer survivors to 150 women who have had a breast biopsy, but who have received a result of benign breast disease (i.e. a finding on a breast biopsy that is NOT cancer).
Spousal support is commonly one of the top-rated support sources for females with breast cancer. Divorce or separation may lead to poor coping among breast cancer patients. If we are able to offer additional support to the couples that are most at risk for separation following a breast cancer diagnosis, we may be able to help both partners cope more effectively. Hopefully, this will translate into more stable relationships following a diagnosis of breast cancer.
We hope to compare the rate of divorce among breast cancer survivors to a group of women who have not had breast cancer (These women make up the 'control group'. They are the women who have had a biopsy, but no cancer.)
Women can participate in this study if they meet the following criteria. Women must:
- Have had a breast biopsy that was not cancerous OR have had at least one diagnosis of breast cancer (The first breast cancer diagnosis must have been at least five years ago.)
- Be willing to complete all required study components.
- Read and write in English.
- Reside in Canada.
- Be between 25 and 65 years of age.
Women cannot participate if they:
- Are in the control group and have had ANY history of cancer.
- Do not meet the criteria above.
- Are unable to give voluntary, informed consent.
Participation is so easy! If you are willing to participate, we will mail you a consent form and a questionnaire to complete. The research questionnaire will provide us with information on your breast cancer diagnosis (or breast biopsy), your relationship status, your educational background and your occupation. This questionnaire should take around 15 minutes to complete. You will then mail the consent form and the questionnaire back to the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit. For your convenience, a postage-paid return envelope will be included.
Please keep in mind that your confidentiality and privacy will be completely respected. No information that discloses your identity will be released or published without your specific consent.
You will be helping women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the future. Without the help from women like you, we will not be able to offer insights into how to help couples cope with this disease as a team!
To learn more about this study or to participate, please contact research assistant:
Jillian Alston
Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit
Women's College Research Institute
790 Bay Street, 7th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 1N8
Tel: 416-351-3800 ext. 2715 or 416-351-3768
Fax: 416-351-3767
Email: jillian.alston@wchospital.ca
