Media Release
March 8 2006
UniSA looks at the impact of breast cancer on relationships
In a new study, researchers at the University of South Australia are about to delve into the impact of breast cancer on relationships and in particular sexuality within relationships.
The aim of the undergraduate research project - Breast cancer and men’s perceptions of women’s bodies and sexuality – is to shed light on what new services or additions to services may help couples facing the already challenging impact of breast cancer in their lives.
As part of a Cancer Council Vacation Research Scholarship, researcher Sally Ely will undertake the project with men’s health and body image specialist Dr Murray Drummond and community health specialist in physiotherapy Associate Professor Lorraine Sheppard.
“Apart from the obvious physiological and medical challenges associated with breast cancer, women can face a range of other less obvious issues including psychological, financial and relationship problems that result from the impact of the disease,” Ely says.
“Some of those issues have been looked at from the individual perspective of women who have cancer, what I am keen to look at is the impact of the cancer on partners and how that affects relationships.
“How a partner is coping or not coping with the impact of breast cancer can make a difference to the support a woman receives and their psychological well being. Sexuality is an important part of an individual’s identity and spousal relationships and there is little research into how perceptions of body image and sexuality held by both the woman with breast cancer and her partner might impact on their relationship.”
Ely says the researchers are hoping to speak to the partners (under 50 years) of breast cancer sufferers. The research will be undertaken mainly in a small focus groups format with some broader input from confidential online discussion boards.
“I hope to be able to gain an important insight in to the issues facing couples who have to face the impact of breast cancer in their lives,” Ely says.
“If this research helps us to develop some supports for partners of breast cancer patients I think that will be an invaluable outcome. With all serious medical conditions, treatment and treatment supports often focus on clear medical goals but it is important to look at the full picture including the psychosocial factors that influence survival and recovery.”
Contact for interviews
- Sally Ely mobile 0432 112 617 or
- Associate Professor Lorraine Sheppard UniSA School of Health Sciences office (08) 8302 2424
Media contact
- Michèle Nardelli office (08) 8302 0966 mobile 0418 823 673 email michele.nardelli@unisa.edu.au