Men's experiences of their partner's breast cancer, version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Men's experiences after their partner is diagnosed with breast cancer: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
IRAS ID
187903
Contact name
Sarah Thomas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer for females worldwide (Cancer Research UK, 2014). The diagnosis of breast cancer can have a huge psychological impact on both women and their families. Male partners can be particularly vulnerable to distress, as they often become the main carer, and then have to juggle multiples roles (such as father, husband, carer, employee). There is some research suggesting that male partners suffer from higher rates of anxiety and depression. However, these results tell us very little about the lived experiences of these men. Currently there is very little support for these men, but by understanding their experiences, professionals might be able to develop and mould interventions or support groups to male partners’ needs. There is also evidence to suggest that the couple’s coping strategies are intertwined and influence each other, therefore helping male partners to cope may indirectly also help the women to cope better too.
The researcher is hoping to recruit men from cancer service withing Kettering General Hospital with help from staff working in this service. Staff working with patients will be asked to speak with women and their partners about the possibility of taking part in the research. The researcher will also advertise the research using posters around the wards. It is hoped that approximately 6 men will be recruited. Participation will involve being interviewed for approximately 1 hour about their experiences in a setting of their choice (either their home or a bookable room at the university or the hospital). The interviews will be audio recorded, and then written up so that the researcher can analyse them using a method called Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, which focuses on the participants’ experiences.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0118
Date of REC Opinion
7 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion