The Effects of Breast Cancer 2022
Breast cancer diagnosis has several devastating psychosocial impacts on women. Healthcare professionals working with women with breast cancer should be aware of the different psychosocial impacts of the disease on women’s lives. Appropriate measures must be taken by the decision makers whenever needed, including enforcing positive views and support of society towards women with breast cancer.
Psychological and Social Impacts
Women diagnosed with breast cancer who are younger than 40 years, those with young children and male patients are at higher risk for distress related to a cancer diagnosis. Allowing patients to be part of the discussion and decision-making can also help address feelings of helplessness and distress. There is even hope that a breast cancer diagnosis may result in psychological growth and adjustment, particularly if a person copes with it by directing attention toward the problem rather than avoiding thinking about it. Utilizing education about diagnosis and participating in decisions about treatment are powerful ways to direct attention to the issue rather than choosing to be in denial.
A breast cancer diagnosis affects not only the individual being diagnosed, but their family as well. Preparation for and aftermath of treatment affects the day-to-day rhythm of life, leaving every individual in the household at risk for loneliness and isolation. Family members often experience anxiety and depression and may endure physical displacement if a move is required for treatment, or even potential financial strain.
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with breast cancer, one promising way to relieve psychological stress is to strengthen social support. Medical treatment may also prove to be more effective with a patient’s perception of strong social support. This may be accomplished by reaching out to existing social groups. Some patients may feel more comfortable speaking frankly about their fears and concerns with others who are going through, or have completed, a similar cancer journey. Allowing help and support from those who may offer it may prove beneficial not only mentally, but practically and physically as well. This allows for more energy while juggling medical appointments, recovering from treatment and effort required for daily tasks. What kind of social support is incorporated and found to be helpful is dependent upon each individual, as not everyone will find all methods beneficial. The most important thing is to focus on increasing your social support to reap the benefit of less negative psychosocial impact.
Seeking Support for a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The APA recommends a combination of group therapy, which allows women to share emotional support and individual therapy, which helps women learn problem-solving skills and alter patterns of negative thinking. A therapist can also help you work through body image issues related to a mastectomy or treatment in general.
While breast cancer and mental illness may both feel like insurmountably large problems, you can take simple steps every day to feel better. Staying as active as you can, focusing on healthy eating including lots of fruits and vegetables and reaching out to friends, family, or a support group can all help.
You also don’t have to be a medical professional to give support to people in your life with breast cancer. Social support matters, too. Research shows that having supportive intimate partners and family members increases breast cancer survivors’ overall well-being.
It can be hard to plan for or cope with a breast cancer diagnosis. If you, or someone you know are, or have been through the process of breast cancer, talk to us, we can help you with your overall mental wellbeing.
Read more:
Low mood and depression after a breast cancer diagnosis (breastcancernow.org)
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