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A research from Lund University explains that people who are married to cancer patients or those who are living with them are at a greater risk of being diagnosed with diseases.

Cancer refers to any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division. Cancer may spread to other parts of the body through the blood stream. This disease is not only fatal for the person suffering from it, but it can also be a reason for increased illnesses in the patient’s spouse according to a new study.

The present study explores the effect on the health of the spouse of a cancer patient or one who is diagnosed with a tumor disease. Findings of the study reveal that partners of cancer patients stand higher odds of falling ill. As a part of the research, Katarina Sjövall analyzed the spouses of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer (Cancer of the prostate gland). Results of the study have clear indications that the instance of diagnosed diseases among the spouses of cancer patients is about 25 percent higher after the diagnosis of cancer.

As per the author, having a close relative with cancer implicates extreme concern, anxiety and an increased sense of pressure and workload that it induces stress on one’s own health and wellbeing.

Results showed a substantial increase in the diagnoses of mental disorders like depression. Nevertheless, a significant rise in the instances of cardiovascular diseases, diseases relating to muscles, skeleton and abdomen was also noted among the spouses of cancer patients. Additionally, an increase of about 50 percent (which was the highest) was noted in the instances of cardiovascular disease particularly among the spouses of lung cancer patients.

The study indicated that among working spouses of cancer patients, the number of sick leave days were also high. The partners of lung cancer patients reported the highest percentage (about 70 percent) of number of days of sick leave as compared to their peers in the year succeeding the diagnosis of cancer in their partner. In addition, the researchers also analyzed the sick leaves of the cancer patients themselves. It was also noted that the cancer patient’s number of sick leave days were double as compared to the general public in the year preceding the diagnosis of the disease in colon cancer patients and lung cancer patients.
 
The present research also throws light on the increase in the healthcare costs among partners of cancer patients. The highest increase in the costs incurred for healthcare was noted among men aged less than 64 years who had a spouse suffering from cancer. The author believes the reason for increased healthcare costs among men as compared to women to be lack of comfort and increased stress in caring for the partner diagnosed with cancer.

Reference:

Living with cancer - Impact on cancer patient and partner -    A study by Katarina Sjövall, Department of Oncology, Lund University, Sweden
For more information, please visit:

http://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/o.o.i.s?id=24890&news_item=5512

Disclaimer: This article is written by a non-medical professional.