COUPLES DEALING WITH BREAST CANCER: THE ROLE OF HUSBANDS IN SUPPORTING THEIR WIVES

Aim: The main goal of the article is to showcase how husbands performed the role of caregivers for their wives after breast cancer diagnosis. The researchers analysed this issue by comparing the perspectives of the male caregivers with their wives’ opinions. The wives were active members of Amazon clubs. Background: Partners of women with breast cancer are expected to assume responsibility for taking care of their wives. Simultaneously, however, they are not prepared to fulfil their new duties, nor are they being provided with any professional support in this regard. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight married couples, separately with wives and husbands. Results: Husbands perceive their role in their wives’ struggles as primarily supportive and channel any negative emotions via undertaken actions. They support their wives in four ways: by focusing on their wives’ feelings and caring about her, taking part in the healing process, manag- ing the household during the period of their wives’ recovery, and by bringing back normalcy into their lives. Conclusions: Limited knowledge about oncological diseases, deficiencies in the assistance services offered to husbands of women with breast cancer and stereotypes about gender roles contribute to the difficulties men face when taking care of their sick wives. Even the wives active participation in the Amazon movement does not seem to mitigate their problems.