The male perspective: A mixed methods study of the impact, unmet needs and challenges of caring for women with breast cancer

Abstract

Objectives

As a formative investigation toward the development of a supportive care intervention for male caregivers, this study explored the emotional impact, unmet needs and challenges experienced by men when caring for a woman with breast cancer.

Design

A cross-sectional mixed methods study, with an online survey and interviews.

Sample

A total of 89 participants completed the survey, of whom 13 completed interviews. The majority (93%) of participants were husbands of care recipients; of the care recipients, 75% had early stage breast cancer and 45% were diagnosed over 5 years ago.

Method

Participants completed questionnaires assessing their emotional wellbeing, unmet needs and biopsychosocial challenges, with a sub-sample participating in subsequent interviews to elaborate on survey responses.

Findings

Emotional difficulty was reported by <25% of the sample, and 83% reported experiencing at least one unmet need (M = 81.5, SD = 33.2). Of the 39 biopsychosocial challenges presented, 100%, 86% and 73% reported “ever experiencing,” “currently experiencing,” and “ever needing help,” respectively. Interviewed participants echoed the most reported needs and challenges as changes to sex life, fear of recurrence and lack of practical information.

Conclusions

Male cancer caregivers experience diverse challenges and require psychological support and practical information using both online and offline approaches to support their caregiving responsibilities.

Implications for Psychosocial Providers

Healthcare professionals can support male caregivers by: being aware of their information and psycho-social needs; directing caregivers to online interventions for additional information; and facilitating the provision of online psycho-sexual and FCR support.

Keywords:

• breast cancer
• male caregivers
• online
• psycho-oncology
• self-management
• supportive care

Acknowledgments

The male supporters of women with breast cancer who participated in our research were recruited from Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and Register4. BCNA’s Review & Survey Group is a national, online group of Australians affected by breast cancer who are interested in receiving invitations to participate in research. Register4 is a national online database of people interested in receiving invitations to participate in cancer research. We acknowledge the invaluable support of BCNA, Register4 and the men who participated in this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by an Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research grant and AG is supported by Cancer Institute NSW grants.