Family coping: Issues and challenges for cancer nursing

A large body of research now exists suggesting that families are dramatical ly affected by a diagnosis of cancer, and that they have a wide range of su pport needs. In particular, evidence suggests that the emotional strains of living with a family member who has cancer are an especially difficult cop ing challenge, and that such strains have a significant impact on the day-t o-day lives of family members. Despite this evidence, there has been little analysis to date on the nature of the families' experience with cancer and what implications the unique features of family relationships and interact ions in the context of cancer have for nursing practice. Some of these spec ific features of the families' experience with cancer are examined in this article. It is suggested that enormous scope exists for improving nurses' c ontribution to care for families of people with cancer. Specific recommenda tions for achieving such improvements include a critical review of the cons traints that exist on efforts to care for families, and the development of approaches to care that appreciate the interconnectedness of family respons es and the considerable needs of family members for emotional and practical support.