New cancer diagnoses are expected to be around 1.5 million in 2010 (this number excludes some forms of skin cancer). The National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 11.4 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive in January 2006. Some of these individuals were cancer-free while others still had evidence of cancer and may have been undergoing treatment. The median age of cancer patients at diagnosis is around 67 years old. While cancer research continues to identify effective treatment strategies, one known positive support is having a caring spouse. A recent study shows that married people have higher cancer survival rates than those who are divorced or separated. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is a life changing event, not only for the person with cancer (the diagnosed partner), but also for their significant other (the well partner). As a practitioner, it is important to help your couples understand they are not alone and offer ways for them to successfully cope with cancer together so their relationship will thrive.