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.