Psychological Aspect of Breast Cancer PDF
Added on 2021-06-18
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Disease and DisordersHealthcare and Research
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Running head: THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF BREAST CANCER 1Management of Breast Cancer in the FamilyStudent’s NameName of Institution
2THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF BREAST CANCER1. Overview of breast cancerBreast cancer causes and risk factors Breast cancer is a condition that occurs as a result of mutation or change in cells in thebreast tissue (Christian,2017). The Mutation of these cells results in clustering of abnormal cellsforming a tumor. The tumor becomes malignant once the abnormal cells spread to other parts ofthe breast or other parts of the body. There, exists various factors that increase the risk of breastcancer. For instance, although breast cancer affects both genders, it has been found to be moreprevalent in women especially those over the age of fifty. Family history also comes into playwhen assessing the risk of breast cancer as it can be genetically inherited. White women are alsoconsidered to be at a slightly higher rate of developing breast cancer as compared to their Asian,Hispanic or African counterparts. Other risk factors include exposure to radiation as well as highalcohol consumption.Signs and symptoms of breast cancerIndividuals with breast cancer may exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms. Early signsinclude the growth of a lump on the breast or surrounding areas such as near the armpit. Thelump may at times be painful although it is not always the case. It should, however, be noted thatnot all lumps are cancerous hence the need for a medical check-up. There may also be a changein breast size resulting from swelling or shrinkage of the affected breast. Other signs includepeeling of breast skin, bloody or clear discharge from the nipples as well as swollen lymph nodesunder the arm.
3THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF BREAST CANCERDiagnosis and treatmentBreast cancer can best be treated if it is detected early enough. Medical practitioners,therefore, advise women to go for regular mammogram screening so as to enhance chances ofsurvival if diagnosed. Methods of administering breast cancer treatment vary depending on thetype, stage as well as the health condition and age of the patient. Radiation and surgery arehowever the most widely used methods of cancer treatment. Surgery may involve removal ofonly the portion of breast tissue containing cancer which is known as lumpectomy or removal ofthe entire breast which is called mastectomy (Jaime and Kimberly, 2018).The psychological impact of breast cancerBreast cancer is known to cause severe emotional distress among patients and familymembers. Emotional distress results from fear and uncertainty about what the future holds asmost people associate breast cancer with imminent death (Michele, 2014). Breast cancer patientsand families may also undergo emotional distress as a result of the financial burden they mayhave to shoulder as a result of the disease (Towers, 2016). Breast cancer is also known to resultin major depression in some of the patients. This occurs where feelings of sadness or despairtend to interfere with the patient’s daily activities. Depression may be exhibited in various ways. For instance, the cancer patient mayconstantly look sad or where a listless expression. The cancer patient may also experiencereduced activity and may feel less eager to carry out even the smallest of tasks. Guilt and a senseof low self-esteem are also common depression symptoms breast cancer patients mightexperience. The guilt may result from a sense of worthlessness as some cancer patients may view
4THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF BREAST CANCERthemselves as a burden. In extreme cases, breast cancer patients may experience suicidalthoughts especially when life becomes overly challenging. Children and spouses of breast cancer patients may also experience depressionsymptoms (Tanja, 2015). For instance, children may show less interest in relating with theirfriends or peers. They may also become more irritable and easily angered. Additionally, suchchildren may find it hard to concentrate in class activities thus leading to a decline in grades andoverall performance. Spouses, on the other hand, may become more anxious and frustrated asthey feel the need to step up and shoulder the burden of the sick patient. The spouse may thusfeel guilty in case he or she is unable to meet the family needs.Breasts are among the features that define womanhood and femininity. Breasts, therefore,play an important part in a woman's confidence and sense of worth (Cordella, 2010). This isproven by the fact that many girls are desperate to grow a pair of breasts from as early as eightyears (Cordella, 2010). In many societies, breasts are also associated with sex and breastfeeding.Additionally, many societies also consider exposure of a woman’s breasts as indecent andinappropriate. Breast cancer diagnosis is therefore psychologically devastating to most women.First, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer has to endure the horror of repeatedly showing herbreasts to strangers during treatment which this makes breast cancer patients feel violated(Cordella, 2010).Surgical breast cancer treatment can also bring about poor self-image which islikely to undermine a woman’s confidence (Chen and Wang, 2018) .Many women also reportthat they feel less attractive after being diagnosed with breast cancer.Dealing with the psychological impact of breast cancer
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