Susan Heyes and colleagues review studies into the effects of bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment on personal relationships

The aim of this literature review was to locate the voices of people with bladder cancer and their partners, including family members and other carers, to reveal the shared experiences of the disease and the effect it may have had on their lives.

Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed articles concerning individuals’ experiences of bladder cancer. Six articles met the inclusion criteria and involved participants who had undergone intravesical therapy or the surgical formation of a stoma or neobladder. No studies were found that revealed the experiences of other types of treatment.

Seven themes were identified from a thematic analysis: communication and information; sexuality; shock and fear of diagnosis; treatment and recovery; life post-surgery; body image; and support and comfort.

Nursing care should include the care of partners and consider the multiple roles involved in couples’ relationships together with the psychosocial and sexual effects of bladder cancer treatment.