Husbands of breast cancer patients ‘experiencing health risks’

Husbands of breast cancer patients could be facing significant risks to their own health that are currently going unnoticed, according to a new study.

Research from Ohio State University has found that caring for a spouse with breast cancer can have a measurably negative effect on men's health due to the high levels of stress involved, often lasting years after treatment has been concluded.

A survey of 32 men found that husbands of cancer patients were more likely to experience stress, fatigue and physical symptoms such as headaches and abdominal pain, as well as weakened immune responses.

Scientists stated that these conclusions demonstrate the need for more attention to be placed upon the health needs of caregivers.

Sharla Wells-Di Gregorio, lead author of the study and assistant professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University, said: "These men are experiencing significant distress and physical complaints, but often do not seek medical care for themselves due to their focus on their wives' illness."

According to Cancer Research UK data, just over 48,000 people were diagnosed with breast cancer in Britain in 2008.