My partner's got breast cancer

This section is for anyone who is in a relationship with someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It aims to give you a better understanding of your situation and offers tips to help you look after yourself and your partner, both now and in the future.

Being the partner of someone with breast cancer can be a very difficult period in your life. Many people refer to the experience as a ‘rollercoaster ride’. The high and low feelings you may go through, including shock, acceptance, fear, relief, anxiety and strength, can have a huge impact, both physically and emotionally.

The kind of relationship you and your partner share can affect the way you deal with their diagnosis, both together and individually. Some couples find that the situation brings them closer together while others, especially those who were experiencing problems before the diagnosis, find that it drives them apart.

You may find that because your circumstances have changed people, including your partner, family, work colleagues and even your friends, may have new or different expectations of you. What you expect of yourself as a partner may also change. It can be a demanding time and to cope well it is important to look after yourself as much as those around you.

Carolyn Hall, a Breast Cancer Voice, talks about what she wants from friends, family and partners as a person affected by breast cancer.