Core Themes in a Support Group for Spouses of Breast Cancer Patients

Spouses of breast cancer patients suffer from various symptoms related to coping with their partner's illness. They are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety than are spouses of healthy women. The benefits of support groups for spouses of breast cancer patients are significant for spouses, patients, and their families. This article describes two support groups for spouses of cancer patients, the first of their kind in Israel, and discusses various patterns that emerged in the couples' relationships and the manner in which they were dealt with in the group.