Psychological intervention with couples after mastectomy

Cancer is a family affair. Clinical work and research studies have shown that cancer does indeed invade the entire family, and that family members, especially spouses, are often highly distressed individuals. The familiy in general and the spouse in particular cannot, therefore, be looked on as natural supporters for cancer patients, but rather as a system that is itself in need of help and support.Presented at the Symposium Psychotherapeutic Interventions in Cancer Patients, Flims, Switzerland, 12–14 January 1995