National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.

It's always important for friends and family to have a sense of confidence in how they're supporting someone close to them who is battling breast cancer - but it is imperative that husbands (significant others, etc.) are able to do so. Here is a great list I found on WebMD covering "rules" you should follow:

• The No. 1 rule for the breast cancer husband is to shut up and listen.
• No. 2: It's not about you; it's about your wife. So if the doctor's making eye contact with you and not her, that's not the way it should be.
• No. 3: Your wife is the boss. She may ask you what you think and you can certainly tell her, but in the end, she must make the decisions that make sense to her and her medical team.
• No. 4: Sex doesn't have to take a holiday. Many men are afraid to approach their wives sexually during treatment. But the loss of intimacy is a huge loss. You have to respect your wife's mood, of course, maybe she just wants a good cuddle or back rub, but don't pull away.
• No. 5: Take care of yourself, too. Caregivers need to have down time and strength to carry on. Just ask your wife for permission before you go out for a golf game.

This article comes from a man who is coping with his wife's breast cancer, you can read the whole interview here.

Also, here are some additional resources for the "breast cancer husbands":

• Men Against Breast Cancer - They also have a great list of things you can do here
• There is a message board on Breast Cancer.org for family members.
• The Why Me Breast Cancer hotline has husbands on call at their toll-free number. The phone number is 800-221-2141.
• It would also be helpful to check for support groups locally for couples or solely husbands and partners through your local breast cancer center.