Beyond the patient: understanding partners' sexual challenges and professional support needs during the breast cancer trajectory

Background Partners of women with breast cancer face several challenges, often affecting their sexual wellbeing. Because their specific needs remain underexplored, this exploratory study aims to get a deeper understanding of partners' sexual experiences, as well as their needs for professional support across different stages of the breast cancer trajectory. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with four partners of women with breast cancer and analyzed thematically in Belgium. Results Breast cancer affected partners emotionally, such as feeling powerless, and leaded to taking on additional responsibilities. They reported to feel underrecognized and to experience decreased sexual desire and activity, partly due to the body alterations of the women. Communication was difficult for some couples. Information about sexuality and professional support for partners is currently lacking. Contrary to the dyadic coping approach, most partners preferred to receive professional support individually. Conclusions Providing partners with individually tailored information and professional support seems to be beneficial.