The Effects of Breast Cancer on the Family

The literature was reviewed to identify coping issues and factors associated with family functioning when a family member has cancer and to related these to specfic issues that arise when breast cancer occurs. The approaches to assessment and intervention also were examined. Most studies placed primary emphasis on the patient's problems rather than on the family's, and assessment and intervention models were generally aimed toward chronic illness and all cancers. There is a need to understand how the specific factors affect families and to identify high-risk families who cannot adjust successfully. Further research should compare families who enhance their lives by coping well with those who cope dysfunctionally.