EXPLORING THE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES OF SPOUSES OF BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Abstract

Breast cancer not only affects patients but also profoundly impacts their spouses, particularly within the context of Pakistan’s nuclear family structures and traditional gender norms. This qualitative study aimed to explore the emotional and social challenges experienced by husbands of women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. Specifically, the study examined psychological distress, shifts in marital and family roles, coping strategies, and the influence of cultural expectations on emotional expression. A purposive sample of eight participants, aged 40–50 years and married for over 20 years, was recruited. All participants resided in nuclear family systems and had at least one child under the age of 18. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted in Urdu, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The findings revealed several key themes, including initial emotional shock and ongoing psychological distress following diagnosis, persistent feelings of loneliness, caregiving burden, and significant shifts in marital and parenting roles. Participants frequently reported suppressing their emotional needs due to sociocultural expectations surrounding masculinity. Coping strategies included reliance on religious faith, social withdrawal, engagement in routine activities, and, in some cases, maladaptive behaviours such as increased smoking. Financial strain emerged as a consistent stressor despite partial healthcare support, while limited social support further contributed to isolation. The study highlights that spouses of breast cancer patients in Pakistan experience substantial yet often unrecognized emotional and social burdens. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive psychosocial interventions that include spouses within cancer care frameworks.