Partner & family support

We can help guide you through challenging conversations

Hearing the news

From hearing the news about your loved one to managing the rollercoaster of emotions that may ensue, we can help guide you through challenging conversations with your partner and family. Our services cater to the unique needs and challenges faced by each individual and are available for the whole family – partners, husbands, wives and carers.

We provide our services in WA free-of-charge, and our aim is for every single person who is affected by breast cancer (including you) to be able to access the expert help of our team of in-house specialist breast care nurses and counsellors. We are here for you too.

Access individual counselling as a partner

You can access individual counselling as a partner, just call the number below and we can arrange support for your individual needs.

What are some first steps I can take to help my partner?

  • Listen – you don’t necessarily need to have any answers.
  • Women who have been newly diagnosed with breast cancer often suffer from insomnia. If you are happy to be woken up physically or by telephone in the early hours of the morning, tell her that!
  • Offer support – but don’t necessarily wait to be asked. Some people find it hard to ask for help, but a home-cooked meal wouldn’t be rejected.
  • Let them know you care.
  • Provide some practical help. – offer to drive her to appointments, clean the bathroom, pick up the children from school, etc. Listen for clues of how to help.
Phone: (08) 9324 3703

Group support for partners

We have a Partners’ Support Group which meets four times a year in Cottesloe. Ring (08) 9324 3703 to have a brochure sent to you, or to speak to our coordinators about joining.

Taking care of myself during this time

  • Be kind to yourself – acknowledge that you are human and don’t have all the answers.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Take care of your own health. You will need to be fit if you are going to travel the journey with your loved one.
  • Find a trusted friend or relative who can help support you.
  • If there are children, include them. Give them as much information as is reasonable for their age. Children are quick to pick up when something is not right.
  • Keep the school or child care centre informed about what is happening so that staff can be aware of special needs.
  • Similarly, inform someone in your workplace, perhaps a supervisor or close colleague.
  • Try to have balance in your life – maintain family life as much as possible

Breast Cancer Care WA respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country across Western Australia and recognises their enduring strength and continuing connection to land, waters and communities.

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