"What Do You Expect from Me?": Family and Marital Coping after a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Abstract

Cancer diagnoses are stressful, atypical events for families. When a family member is diagnosed with cancer, the nature of family relationships often transform as a result. The additional stress and uncertainty that accompanies cancer treatments may also create or intensify family conflict and leave the individual diagnosed with cancer without necessary support. This case study illustrates the negative toll of a cancer diagnosis on marital and family interactions. In particular, the case focuses on how the relationship between a married couple, Camille and Brad, and their family members changed in the aftermath of Camille’s cancer diagnosis. Camille and Brad’s story highlights the uncertainty, stress, and conflict that many families experience when someone they love is receiving cancer treatment. Further, the case study also demonstrates common communication behaviors, such as topic avoidance, that family members exhibit when they are dealing with cancer.