Background: Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men and has both immediate and long-term health-related side effects. The experience of prostate cancer diagnoses and treatment can have an impact on both members of the couple in physical, psychological, and emotional ways.

Methods: A total of 216 couples were enrolled into the study; the men had received various treatments for localized early stage prostate cancer. All participants completed the Quality of Life Index, SF36, and the Dyadic Adjustment Survey before treatment started, and, again at 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment. The questionnaires were mailed to each participant separately to insure confidentiality.

Results: The men’s average age was 67.8 years; the women’s was 64. A majority of the men (74%) and women (59.6%) had at least some college education. Eight-five percent of the men were white as were 86.2% of the women.

Controlling for the number and severity of co-morbidities, men’s scores significantly predicted their partner’s scores on relationship satisfaction and emotional functioning at all four data points (partial r’s ranged from .65 to .19, p < .01) and mental health, health-related quality of life,  and social functioning at three data points (partial r’s ranged from .38 to .22,  p < .01). Implications: Men’s experience with prostate cancer and treatment clearly effects their partner’s relationship satisfaction, emotional health, and social functioning. While both members of the couple felt they were impacted by the diagnoses of prostate cancer, it is important to determine how each member of the couple may be influenced over time by prostate cancer treatment and any possible treatment-related side effects.

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