The impact of prostate cancer on partners: a qualitative exploration.
OBJECTIVE
Prostate cancer and its treatment can result in numerous physical and psychological morbidities for the patient as well as his partner. This qualitative study aimed to explore the experiences of intimate spouses or partners of men diagnosed and/or treated for prostate cancer to better understand the personal impact of prostate cancer on the partner.


METHODS
Twenty-seven partners participated in this study. Six focus groups were convened, and one in-depth interview was undertaken to explore the practical impact of prostate cancer on the intimate spouse/partner. All discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed and then coded using a thematic approach.


RESULTS
Six themes emerged: (a) The influence of the man's response to prostate cancer on the partner, (b) The need to be involved in treatment and medical decision making, (c) Supporting a man who is experiencing a loss of masculinity, (d) Degree of congruence between each partner's coping responses, (e) Constrained communication, and (f) Changed roles and increased practical management.


CONCLUSIONS
It is clear that prostate cancer impacts substantially on many areas of partner well-being. An effective intervention provided to this population seems warranted and may lead to improvements in partner well-being, assist the couple in lessening the impact of prostate cancer and its treatment on their relationship, and assist in the man's recovery.
Department of Urology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia; Epworth Prostate Centre, Epworth Healthcare, Richmond, Vic., Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research, East Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
A C
AC
Wootten
J M
JM
Abbott
D
D
Osborne
D W
DW
Austin
B
B
Klein
A J
AJ
Costello
D G
DG
Murphy
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057228:Masculinity; D008875:Middle Aged; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms; D036301:Qualitative Research; D018454:Spouses
Partner; Prostate cancer; Psychological distress; Spouse; Wellbeing