Surviving Cancer and Family Costs: Examining the Needs of Spouses

Abstract

Aggressive cancers are devastating diseases that leave fractured lives in their wake. Many of these cancers are treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT), an option that can potentially cure one's cancer but may leave the patient with reduced functioning years after the cancer diagnosis ceases to be a threat. Most BMT research attention is focused on keeping the cancer patient alive. When the focus shifts to psychosocial inquiry, the patient remains at the center of studies as researchers work to determine how one recovers from life-threatening illnesses and how to reduce the long-term complications. When social supports are discussed, family and spouses tend to be viewed as a resource of support. Few studies have examined how the patient's treatment and recovery influence the life satisfaction of spouses and family members. This study addresses this gap by focusing on the quality of life of transplant spouses.