"We're in this together": Perceived effects of breast cancer on African American survivors' marital relationships.

OBJECTIVE: We examined married African American breast cancer survivors' perceptions of how cancer affected their marriage, social support from their spouses, and spouses' physical and mental health.

METHOD: We conducted a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 15 married African American breast cancer survivors who had participated in a larger randomized controlled trial. Interviews were professionally transcribed and then independently coded by two coders.

RESULTS: Themes emerged related to the challenges of maintaining mutually supportive relationships. There was variability in the perceived effects of cancer on relationships, as well as uncertainty about cancer's effects on their husbands' emotional and physical health and the adequacy of emotional and tangible support from their husbands. Participants described husbands' key role in promoting wives' positive body image, as well as the challenges of negotiating sexual activity. Participants were receptive to help from medical professionals in dealing with relationship issues.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings show variability in couples' responses to cancer, with some patients and couples adapting well and others needing additional support. During treatment and at follow-up, oncology social workers can assess patients' and family members' social support needs, provide mental health services, and provide patient navigation to help patients and caregivers access health care and community resources.