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They are often called the forgotten survivors. Caregivers of cancer patients often pull off the Herculean effort of caring for their loved ones while also working to keep the household running.

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Now new research from the University of Florida finds spouses and partners can experience some of the same anxiety and feelings of vulnerability,…even signs of depression… as cancer survivors, but may be less likely to have their symptoms acknowledged or treated. The study highlights the strain of caregiving at a time when cancer patients are discharged "quicker and sicker"— and as they live longer than ever. U-F researchers studied 177 cancer survivor/partner pairs in the years after cancer treatment and blood or bone marrow transplantation. Although caregivers reported lower levels of cognitive dysfunction and fatigue than their survivor mates, symptoms of depression were actually on par for both.

Dr. Michelle Bishop / UF clinical psychologist

"We found that the same percentage of survivors and spouses, about 20 percent, experienced clinically significant symptoms of depression."

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In addition, about twenty-five percent of survivors as well as partners reported symptoms of emotional trauma post-transplant. Many cancer survivors report positive changes in their relationships with others or meaning of life after battling cancer. However, it appears that spouse caregivers may be less likely to experience these positive changes. In addition, cancer caregivers are generally less likely to receive help for emotional problems, help that could include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medicine, support groups or individual counseling.

Dr. Michelle Bishop / UF clinical psychologist

"Spouses were much less likely than survivors to report that they were engaged in any of those four mental health treatments. And so we are concerned that they may be neglecting their own mental health needs."

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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison