Three out of four relatives of breast cancer patients would have welcomed stronger emotional support. 18/10/2011

The first stage of this descriptive and pilot study included a sample of 50 women with breast cancer, 45 of them under treatment and 10 had already undergone treatment. The sample includes 74.5% married women or in a stable relationship aged 52 years on average. 40 relatives also took part in the study (90% partners, 10% children). According to Carmen Yélamos, Director and Psycho-oncologist of Grupo IMO Foundation: "The study reflects women's fears and approach to face the disease. It also reflects the way relatives face the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It shall be noted that 98% of breast-cancer women face the disease with hope, not seeing cancer as a fatal disease. They face cancer with an active and positive approach which is one of our goals as professionals providing care to our patients."

According to the study, 8 out of 10 women with breast cancer are pleased with the assistance provided by their relatives and 6 out of 10 acknowledge that the person that provided more care was their partner, followed by their children in 18% of the cases. However, all the relatives participating in the study claim that their environment could have been more supportive. More specifically, 75% of the relatives would have positively appreciated further emotional support and 48% of them would have been grateful receiving assistance with housework and childcare. The information unveils an urgent need for reinforced care provided to cancer patients' relatives. "This proves a compelling need for assistance, namely emotional. That is why Grupo IMO Foundation has undertaken to launch various programs and actions, such as the publication of a Guide for cancer patients and their relatives providing advice and keys to strengthen family bonds, thus fulfilling support needs, says Mari Sol González, the Foundations' psycho-oncologist.