Psychosocial Issues and Breast Cancer
Psychological impact of Diagnosis
All aspects of life can be affected
Not everyone experiences sever distress, many report significant problems
20-30% report severe distress for 2yrs
Psychological issues related to diagnosis
Many feel helpless and overwhelmed
Respond initially with transient disbelief and denial
Gradually turns into fear, sadness anger, anxiety, guilt or shame, self blame
Self forgiveness and spirituality may help
Reactions may be a response to diagnostic procedures
waiting for test results
Changes in body image, sexuality and self esteem
Reproductive issues
Facing possible death
All aspects of life can be affected
Not everyone experiences sever distress, many report significant problems
20-30% report severe distress for 2yrs
Psychological issues related to diagnosis
Many feel helpless and overwhelmed
Respond initially with transient disbelief and denial
Gradually turns into fear, sadness anger, anxiety, guilt or shame, self blame
Self forgiveness and spirituality may help
Reactions may be a response to diagnostic procedures
waiting for test results
Changes in body image, sexuality and self esteem
Reproductive issues
Facing possible death
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DID YOU KNOW?
An estimated 19,540 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women in 2009.
The overall incidence rate of breast cancer is 10% lower in African American women than white women.
More Facts.....
An estimated 19,540 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur among African American women in 2009.
The overall incidence rate of breast cancer is 10% lower in African American women than white women.
More Facts.....
Social support
Adjustment better in families that are cohesive, express emotions openly and lack family conflict,
althoughth patients may benifit from support, some may have difficulty getting it.
people may avoid patients altogether or not communicate openly
-Accentuating feelings of isolation and low self esteem
May belive that they should maintain an optomistic and chearful facade
The problem with a positive attitude
many feel controling emotions controling the illness
-idea that there is something that one can do provides some solace
If patient is strong helps family cope with their own feelings of helplessness & fear.
Adjustment better in families that are cohesive, express emotions openly and lack family conflict,
althoughth patients may benifit from support, some may have difficulty getting it.
people may avoid patients altogether or not communicate openly
-Accentuating feelings of isolation and low self esteem
May belive that they should maintain an optomistic and chearful facade
The problem with a positive attitude
many feel controling emotions controling the illness
-idea that there is something that one can do provides some solace
If patient is strong helps family cope with their own feelings of helplessness & fear.
Psychological Impact of surgery/Treatment
concern about the outcome
role functioning
children, work, household duties, liesure activities
Concerns about other treatments
hair loss
nausea vomiting
hormonal changes hot flushes etc
fatigue
changes in physical appearance
muscle waste
changes in memory and concentration
80% report distress during intial phases
LumpectomyVs mastectomy
disfigurmrnt
reconstruction
immediate vs delayed
how will i look will their be any sensation, sexual feeling,
how will my clothes fit.
concern about the outcome
role functioning
children, work, household duties, liesure activities
Concerns about other treatments
hair loss
nausea vomiting
hormonal changes hot flushes etc
fatigue
changes in physical appearance
muscle waste
changes in memory and concentration
80% report distress during intial phases
LumpectomyVs mastectomy
disfigurmrnt
reconstruction
immediate vs delayed
how will i look will their be any sensation, sexual feeling,
how will my clothes fit.
Recurrence
Can be associated with sense of hopelessness, dread of further treatment, and side affects and an increase of fears felt upon initial diagnosis
did i choose the right treatment
psychological issues when treatments not successful
decision to pursue clinical trial
evaluation of priorities, religious beliefs, family and financial situations, and quantity vs quality of life
decision to pursue palliative care
need to grieve their own mortality and impact of death on the family and friends
may feel guilty have i tried everything.
who will care for me during the remaining time
what will become of my family
How can I be less of a burden to my family.
Can be associated with sense of hopelessness, dread of further treatment, and side affects and an increase of fears felt upon initial diagnosis
did i choose the right treatment
psychological issues when treatments not successful
decision to pursue clinical trial
evaluation of priorities, religious beliefs, family and financial situations, and quantity vs quality of life
decision to pursue palliative care
need to grieve their own mortality and impact of death on the family and friends
may feel guilty have i tried everything.
who will care for me during the remaining time
what will become of my family
How can I be less of a burden to my family.
Psychological issues related to recovery
end of treatment usually positive
for some, an active fight against the illness is difficult to end increase in anxiety- no longer protected
preoccupation with ongoing fears of recurrence death.
end of treatment usually positive
for some, an active fight against the illness is difficult to end increase in anxiety- no longer protected
preoccupation with ongoing fears of recurrence death.
Counselling Directory
The website provides a vast amount of information and support for those thinking about having counselling, including how it can help with different areas such as relationships, anger and bereavement. There are also lots of FAQs to explain what counselling is, and what happens during the session, along with useful information about the different professional bodies. There are Personal Experiences left by visitors to the website and a whole section on Facts and Figures to reassure visitors that they are not alone.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk
The website provides a vast amount of information and support for those thinking about having counselling, including how it can help with different areas such as relationships, anger and bereavement. There are also lots of FAQs to explain what counselling is, and what happens during the session, along with useful information about the different professional bodies. There are Personal Experiences left by visitors to the website and a whole section on Facts and Figures to reassure visitors that they are not alone.
www.counselling-directory.org.uk