Spouses And Partners Feel Impact Of Cancer

KYW Medical Report Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - I think most of understand that cancer causes tremendous stress on both the mind and body of people with the diagnosis.

It's been said that one of the most shocking statements is "you have cancer." But what few realize is that the spouses and partners of cancer survivors experience emotional stress very similar to that seen in the patients themselves.

There is another key point as well. The long-term social cost may actually be greater.

The landmark report in this area is a good one: a study of 177 cancer survivor partner pairs and 133 partner pairs unaffected by cancer. The study looked at people more than six years after the diagnosis.

Fatigue and depression were two of the greatest problems that were encountered. It was quite easy to see that cancer had a major impact on the loved ones of its victims.