A Qualitative Exploration of the Fear of Recurrence Experienced by the Partners of Breast Cancer Survivors

Purpose: The current study aimed to qualitatively explore the meanings partners place on fear of cancer recurrence to provide further insight into this phenomenon. Methods: : Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight male partners of breast cancer survivors, aged 50 years or older. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analysed through an inductive thematic analysis. Results: : Four general themes were constructed from the data: shared experience, external reminders, facing death and living life , and refrain from worry . The findings highlight the partners’ perception of sharing the cancer journey with the survivor. Thus, the partners’ fear of cancer recurrence was perpetuated by cancer-related reminders, which induced a fear of the survivors’ death and a subsequent endeavor to live a fulfilling life. Regardless, when faced with their fear of cancer recurrence, the partners avoided thinking or worrying about the possibility of a cancer recurrence. Conclusion: These results will provide a conceptual framework for future research to develop and test interventions targeted towards the fear of cancer recurrence experienced by the partners of breast cancer survivors.