"We're the silent people in the situation": a qualitative examination of the lived experiences of young partners of men diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Abstract

Background/purpose: Testicular cancer (TC) is one of the most prevalent cancers among young adult (YA) males. TC can have significant physical and psychosocial impacts on patients, however limited research has focused on the experiences of their young partners. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of partners of individuals diagnosed with TC as YAs.

Methods: This study used an interpretive phenomenological research design. Three focus groups with 4-5 participants per group were conducted with partners of individuals diagnosed with TC as YAs (n = 13; 100% female; mean age = 30.77 years [SD = 6.10]). The majority of partners were married (n = 8) and met prior to the TC diagnosis (n = 11). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Three overarching themes were generated that describe the partners' experiences: (1) as caregivers, partners must balance various new roles and responsibilities which becomes a large part of their identity; (2) caregivers suffer silently with their partner's diagnosis, minimizing their own experiences and emotions due to guilt and fear of being a burden; and (3) partners must confront a future that is different than expected as a result of the cancer experience.

Conclusions: Partners experienced unique emotional and practical challenges when supporting their partner throughout their TC experience. The results of this study highlight the need for improved support and resources tailored to partners of YAs diagnosed with TC.