Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that in 2006 alone, 191,410 women in the United States learned they had breast cancer, and some 41,000 died from the disease. Getting the news can bring on a gamut of emotions. Knowing the kinds of feelings you are likely to have is just as important as knowing your options for treatment.
Fear and Stress
Therese Rando, author of the groundbreaking book "Grief, Dying and Death: Clinical Interventions for Caregivers" defines anxiety as an emotion initiated by fear. For the woman with breast cancer, fear of loss, pain and loneliness can bring on seemingly unbearable stress. As the release of epinephrine and cortisol associated with stress floods the body, blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels can also rise. Research suggests that prolonged stress may accelerate tumor growth and spread, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Depression
Depression is an affective disorder characterized by low moods, feelings of hopelessness and even thoughts of suicide. Depression can seriously impede quality of life for the woman with breast cancer because of its effects on socialization, will to live and desire to fight the disease. A Danish study published in the journal Psychosomatics suggests that depression can, in fact, increase mortality rates.
Body Image Problems
Life for the woman with breast cancer can be seriously altered after a mastectomy. According to Breast Cancer.Org, the surgery can negatively affect self-esteem, while chemotherapy interferes with estrogen production and sexual desires. Even women who do not have a mastectomy experience the emotional side effects of chemotherapy and being thrown into menopause almost instantly. This can make women feel less attractive. Body image problems can be debilitating but can be helped with reconstructive surgery and therapy.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Breast Cancer Statistics; Mar 2010
- "Grief, Dying, and Death: Clinical Interventions for Caregivers"; Rando, T; 1984
- National Cancer Institute; Psychological Stress and Cancer: Question and Answers; 2010
- The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine: "Depression as a Prognostic Factor for Breast Cancer Mortality"; Feb 2003
- Breast Cancer.Org; Changes in Body Image Cause Bad Self Esteem?; Aug 2008
