Numerous findings have suggested that psychosocial
factors such as social support, marital
satisfaction, and coping styles influence the
survival rate of those afflicted with breast
cancer. In addition, the husband's role has been
found to play an especially important role in
diminishing the breast cancer patient's stress as
well as prolonging her life expectancy. For
the couple confronting this illness, the husband
plays a pivotal role in assisting his wife cope with
the illness, communicate with friends, family, and
medical professionals, and providing support
throughout the various facets of treatment. It is
unfortunate, however, that few husbands understand
their own importance in dealing effectively with
breast cancer. In this book, both husbands and
wives will learn the positive and negative
implications of their own communication and coping
strategies. Furthermore, an intervention based on
empirical literature is proposed to implement in
treatment. Finally, considerations for future
research, including diversity issues and the impact
those issues present in the psychological adjustment
to breast cancer, are discussed