Fear, worry and sadness: an exploratory study of psychological wellbeing in men caring for their partner with ovarian cancer
It is often forgotten that ovarian cancer is not just a disease for the patient. Family, friends, and caregivers for women with ovarian cancer all are affected to a lesser or greater degree. For many women their male partner becomes the caregiver.
That women with ovarian cancer frequently develop psychological stress is well known. There is little information about how men, whose partners have become patients, are affected. This small study sought responses from 36 male caregivers, with assessment of anxiety and depression.
Results from the study suggest excessive anxiety about the future, the relationship, and recurrence, with many caregivers being clinical depressed due to seemingly inevitable progression. The authors suggest that psychological damage is common with ovarian cancer. Health care providers should be aware of this and look to support the extended contact group.
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