Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis
Cancer can damage a marriage or relationship
“A cancer diagnosis often has a ripple effect on how patients see themselves, on their life, and on their relationships.”
~Cheyenne Corbett
Director of Cancer Support and Survivorship
Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, NC
When you think of it in the context of marriage, it brings additional pressure, distress and changes to how a couple’s relationship typically operates. In addition to being a Divorce Coach, I am a cancer survivor who went through a divorce. I am here to help guide those facing illness and possibly looking to enter the divorce process.
Results from studies examining the potential relationship between breast cancer and divorce suggest that a diagnosis of breast cancer can place significant strain on a marriage or partnership, leading to an increased risk of divorce.
The stress and emotional challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis can impact relationships in various ways. For example, the demands of cancer treatment, changes in roles and responsibilities, financial strain, and emotional distress can all contribute to marital difficulties.
This is a well researched topic. One study I find helpful is "Gender Disparity in the Rate of Partner Abandonment in Patients with Serious Medical Illness" published in the Nov.15, 2009, issue of the journal Cancer. The other corresponding author is Michael Glanz, M.D., of the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah School of Medicine.
It mentions that a woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient. The study termed it "partner abandonment." It also found that the longer the marriage, the more likely it would remain intact.
This same study confirmed earlier research that put the overall divorce or separation rate among cancer patients at 11.6 percent. However, researchers were surprised by the difference in separation and divorce rates by gender.
In cases where the woman was the patient, the divorce rate soared to 20.8 percent, in stark contrast to the 2.9 percent rate seen when the man was the one undergoing treatment.
"Female gender was the strongest predictor of separation or divorce in each of the patient groups we studied," said Marc Chamberlain, M.D., a co-corresponding author and director of the neuro-oncology program at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). Chamberlain is also a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
However, it's important to note that not all couples experience these challenges similarly, and many relationships grow stronger in the face of illness.
It's also worth mentioning that correlation does not imply causation.
While there may be a correlation between breast cancer and divorce in some studies, it doesn't necessarily mean that the cancer diagnosis directly causes the divorce. Many factors can contribute to the breakdown of a marriage, and each couple's experience is unique. Ultimately, it's crucial for individuals and couples facing a breast cancer diagnosis to seek support from healthcare professionals, counselors, and support groups to navigate the emotional and relational challenges that may arise.
A divorce coach is an important component of your support network. If you or someone you know is facing an illness or a divorce, please reach out to me for valuable resources.
Or sign up for a complimentary Discovery Session.
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