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Breast cancer affects the whole family. Partners and family members are likely to experience similar emotions to the person who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, so they may also benefit from similar support. We hope the following resources are helpful to you.
"It was really hard in the beginning because, like my wife, I was shocked and overwhelmed. I was having to look after the kids, take all the phone calls from family and friends, visit my wife in hospital and try to offer her support as well as try and hold down a full-time job. I don't think anyone really understood just how hard it was for me - or that I also needed some support and back-up."
John
Counselling/ support
Counselling may be available to partners and family members through hospitals, community health centres or private psychologists. Some general cancer support groups welcome partners and family, and some hospitals (though not many yet) offer support groups specifically for partners of women with breast cancer. Ask your medical team or call the Cancer Helpline 13 11 20 for support options for you and your family.
Resources for partners
Boys do cry (Australian)
www.breasthealth.com.au/boysdocry
Provides information to help men manage when someone they love has breast cancer.
When the woman you love has early breast cancer (1999) (Australian)
Author/ publisher: National Breast Cancer Centre
Available from: Cancer Councils 13 11 20
This CD provides information to help partners support women through early breast cancer as well as deal with their own needs and feelings. Men talk about their experiences of living with, and caring for women with breast cancer, while health professionals discuss physical and emotional aspects of diagnosis and treatment.
A guide for partners of women with breast cancer: how to help (2000) (Australian)
Author/ publisher: Cancer Council Queensland
Available from: Cancer Councils 13 11 20
The booklet offers ways to provide support for a partner. Most of the suggestions come from talking and working with women with breast cancer and their partners.
Breast Cancer Husband: How to help your wife ( and yourself) during diagnosis, treatment and beyond (US)
Author: Marc Silver
This book contains practical tips and hints for partners.
Resources for children
See our list of resources for children here.
Resources for friends or colleagues
 Helping a friend or colleague with breast cancer (2002) (Australian) 1.43 Mb
uthor/ publisher: Breast Cancer Network Australia
Available from: Breast Cancer Network Australia 1800 500 258
In this brochure, women who have had breast cancer share with you the things they found helpful and unhelpful.
Lost for Words: How to talk to someone with cancer (UK - adapted for Australia)
Author/Publisher: CancerBACUP
Available from : Cancer councils 13 11 20
This booklet covers topics which include:Why talk? Why listen? How to be a godd listener; Understanding what your friend is facing; How to help - a practical checklist.
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