Couples' QOL in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Quality of Life for Couples Facing Metastatic Breast Cancer

The primary objectives of this study are to adapt and evaluate a sexual quality of life intervention in women with metastatic breast cancer and their partners.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is female
• Patient is at least 18 years old
• Patient has a diagnosis of metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer
• Patient has a partner or spouse who is at least 18 years old
• Patient lives with a romantic partner (same or opposite sex) for at least 6 months
• Patient scores 3 or above on Patient Care Monitor sexual concerns item (range: 0-10)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient or partner is not able to speak and read English
• Patient or partner has a hearing impairment
• Patient or partner medically unable to participate as judged by physician/in medical record or by self-report
• Patient and partner do not have reliable telephone access
• Patient has overt cognitive dysfunction or psychiatric disturbance such as suicidal ideation or severe mental illness, as observed or judged by the researcher, physician or referring source, or self-report
• Patient past or current history of any cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer or breast cancer
• Patient is currently participating in couple/marital therapy
• Patient is currently pregnant