Couples coping with cancer together: Successful implementation of a caregiver program as standard of care.

Objective: The couples coping with cancer together program (CCCT) is used to illustrate practical strategies to implement, evaluate, and grow a successful couples-based program in an NCI-designated CCC. CCCT is multimodal program utilizing psychoeducational, strategic, strengths-based, and problem-solving theoretical frameworks. CCCT integrates multiple intervention modalities, as the standard of care: patients/partners biopsychosocial screening, a standardized psychoeducational session, group intervention, and short-term couples counseling.

Disparities in managing emotions when facing a diagnosis of breast cancer: Results of screening program of couples distress.

Introduction: Distress screening is now required for cancer center accreditation. Understanding patient and caregiver stress is critical to successful cancer care. This study examines the perceived emotional impact of breast cancer on both patients and partners.

Addressing psychosocial needs of partners of breast cancer patients: a pilot program using social workers to improve communication and psychosocial support.

Introduction: Psychosocial (PsySoc) distress in caregivers is a well-described entity, with some caregivers experiencing more distress than patients themselves. The American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer mandates that psychosocial services be provided to all cancer patients and their caregivers, through the entire continuum of cancer care.

Methods: We developed a program for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and their partners.