Couples’ QOL in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

Patient is female
Patient is at least 18 years old
Patient has a diagnosis of metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer
Patient has a partner or spouse who is at least 18 years old
Patient lives with a romantic partner (same or opposite sex) for at least 6 months
Patient scores 3 or above on Patient Care Monitor sexual concerns item (range: 0-10)

Exclusion Criteria:

Patient or partner is not able to speak and read English
Patient or partner has a hearing impairment
Patient or partner medically unable to participate as judged by physician/in medical record or by self-report
Patient and partner do not have reliable telephone access
Patient has overt cognitive dysfunction or psychiatric disturbance such as suicidal ideation or severe mental illness, as observed or judged by the researcher, physician or referring source, or self-report
Patient past or current history of any cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer or breast cancer
Patient is currently participating in couple/marital therapy
Patient is currently pregnant