Long-term effects of testicular cancer on marital relationships

Thirty-four long-term survivors of testicular cancer and their wives were interviewed individually almost four years past the end of treatment to measure psychological and relationship functioning. Factors identified as important for couple adjustment to cancer--good communication, spousal support, and marital satisfaction--all acted positively to facilitate functioning in this sample. Good psychological adjustment was reflected in scores on the POMS, CES-D, Sense of Coherence, and Relationship Dimension of the Family Environment Scales. Several couples demonstrated lasting impairment, but, overall, the great majority of relationships were strengthened and couples emerged more tightly bonded.