Table 1.

Factor Analysis of 15 Opinions About A Family’s Cancer Journey

Opinion Items From “Disagree Strongly (1) to “Agree Strongly (9)	1 Family Fabric Factor	2 Family Comm. Factor	3 Comm. Efficacy Factor
I understand how topics like cars, dogs, and food are important resources for families as they talk about cancer.	.80
When family members deal with cancer, they should seek to balance the serious with the funny or humorous.	.79	.29
Activities like playing together, teasing, and humorous stories are basic tools for dealing with cancer.	.69	.31	.25
A new kind of “normal” emerges as cancer patients and their families adjust to different phases of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.	.62		.37
Guessing and speculating about the possibility of death is a central topic when dealing with cancer.	.55		.33
Cancer changes one’s philosophy about living.	.44		.43
Open communication in the family about cancer helps strengthen the family bond.		.83
Talking about cancer helps family members guide each other in giving better emotional care for each other.		.83	.21
Talking about cancer helps family members reduce their uncertainty about cancer.		.72
The power of ordinary communication should not be taken for granted.		.57	.24
In the end, hope eventually overcomes despair when a family expereinces cancer.	.41	.53
Delivering and receiving both good and bad news are important for family members dealing with cancer.	.45	.20	.74
I am sure I can talk with my family about a family member’s cancer.		.29	.72
Communication is critical for allowing joy to exist in the midst of suffering.	.50	.23	.65
When dealing with cancer, family members need to trust and rely on each other.	.47	.35	.61