A randomized controlled trial of a brief psychoeducational support group for partners of early stage breast cancer patients.

Partners of breast cancer patients are relied upon for support at a time when their own coping abilities are taxed by the challenge of cancer, yet few studies have investigated psychosocial interventions that include or target the patient's 'significant other'. Of the 118 consecutive patients approached, 36 patients and their partners participated in a randomized controlled trial of a brief psychoeducational group program for partners only. Psychometric instruments (including the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Index of Marital Satisfaction (IMS) and DUKE-UNC Functional Social Support Scale (FSSS)) were administered pre-test, post-test and at 3 months follow-up.

Prognosis of common cancers.

Four cancers in each sex account for nearly 60% of all cases. Lung cancer therapy is stymied by a lack of effective agents, but can be prevented by a smoking cessation program. Breast cancer is far too prevalent, but has the best response rate to drugs and the best palliation of any of these tumours.