This is a prospective pilot study examining the couple's dyadic attitudes from diagnosis to 24 months later when one member is affected by illness and the adaptive strategies the couple employs when stressful events occur.

The patients taking part in the study and their partners are examined from the time of the woman's breast cancer diagnosis up to 24 months later with the help of questionnaires and a focus group in order to understand the couple's coping strategies.

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Woman diagnosed with stage 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer
• age> 18 years (patient and partner)
• The partner must have lived with the woman for at least 6 months at diagnosis and treatment
• Patients under treatment at the radiotherapy clinic
• Subjects available and able to answer questionnaires, interviews, and / or participate in focus groups
• Informed consent

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Cognitive deficits and / or inability to comply with the provisions of the study

The study population consists of 40 couples with women affected by breast cancer who had lived together for at least six months before the diagnosis of breast cancer