There is an imperative need in cancer nursing to recognize that family members of the patient undergoing bone marrow transplantation are unique in the outside stressors with which they must cope. These families have a multitude of needs to be addressed for them to be able to decrease their anxiety and be able to offer the emotional support the bone marrow transplant patient requires. The stressors, needs, and coping mechanisms of the cancer family, that may affect their outward behavior toward the patient and nursing staff, are outlined here. From this information, nursing interventions can be designed to help families decrease their anxiety and increase coping capabilities.