There were more than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer in the United States in 2009, reports the National Cancer Institute. Women with breast cancer often experience a number of emotional and physical effects as a result of the medical process of diagnosis and treatment, as well as due to the cancer itself. Fortunately, a number of the effects of breast cancer are temporary, and can often be managed with proper support and treatment.
Fatigue
A common short-term effect of breast cancer is a general feeling of fatigue. Patients with breast cancer experience fatigue for a number of reasons. In some cases, the cancer itself can lead to fatigue and discomfort, as the body struggles in response to cancer development. Breast cancer patients may also suffer from tiredness due to emotional distress or depression due to their disease. In some cases, cancer growth can also directly lead to pain that an interfere with sleeping patterns, further promoting fatigue. In extreme cases, chemotherapy can lower blood cells, leading to anemia that causes serious fatigue, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer patients may help alleviate this effect of breast cancer by undergoing lifestyle changes, working to manage pain and stress, and by discussing alternative treatment options with a physician.
Pain
Many cancer patients experience some pain as a short-term consequence of cancer treatment, or due to the cancer itself. As a breast cancer tumor grows, cancer cells from the tumor begin to destroy healthy tissues at the tumor margins, allowing more space in and around the breast for cancer growth. As the tumor grows, it can also press on nearby nerves, leading to pain. Additionally, patients with breast cancer may suffer from short-term pain due to cancer treatments, such as pain associated with healing from breast surgery. In many cases, patients can effectively manage their pain with analgesic medication.
Depression
A common short-term effect of breast cancer is the development of depression. Patients may experience anxiety and fear during the process of diagnosing and treating a breast tumor, leading to depression as the patient is forced to face their mortality and deal with their disease. Many breast cancer patients also become stressed about their appearance, and the loss of their breast or hair as a result of cancer treatment can prove traumatic. Although breast cancer is scary, the survival rates for breast cancer patients are continually increasing due to advances in medical technology and more effective detection programs. Women with breast cancer may seek support with their family and friends, as well as with other cancer survivors. The Breast Cancer Network of Strength, and organization designed to educate and support breast cancer patients and survivors, emphasizes the importance of reaching out to loved ones and discussing depression with a physician to help treat short-term depression due to breast cancer.
