Coping strategies among couples adjusting to primary breast cancer

In psychosocial oncology social support is a recognized factor in facilitating adaptation to cancer. Spouses are often the first source of support for each other. However, the adaptation process of couples dealing with cancer has been little explored. This article presents the results of a qualitative study carried out with 16 couples, in each of which the woman had breast cancer. The goal of this study was to better understand the manner in which the couple as a dyad deals with the disruptions and demands related to the disease and its treatments. This report highlights the principal issues that confront couples in the first year after diagnosis and the adjustment strategies they use to deal with these issues. A theoretical understanding of the adjustment process of couples dealing with breast cancer emerges as a result of this study.