Hand in Hand. Psychological Support and Counseling to Breast Cancer Patients and Their Partners

Hand in Hand. Psychological Intervention for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Partners. A Randomised, Controlled Trial.

This study evaluates the effect of a psychological intervention to breast cancer patients and their partners compared to a control group receiving usual care

The intervention intends to improving the patient and partners well-being, quality of life and their relationship adjustment.

The couples in the intervention group participates i six to eight couple sessions. The sessions is conducted by an experienced psychologist and takes place one to five months after the patients cancer diagnosis. The control group receives usual care.

The framework of the intervention is attachment theory and the psychologists support and advise the couples in talking candidly about their feelings regarding their new life situation with cancer. The psychologist focus on the couples ability to feel comfortable and safe in each others presence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women newly diagnosed with a primary breast cancer (in the last 4 weeks)
• Women cohabiting with a male partner in a romantic relationship
• Patient and partner speaks and reads danish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients having a previous cancer diagnosis
• Neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer
• Previous hospital admission with diagnosed psychotic episodes