Psychological Aspects of Breast Cancer

The word “cancer” is associated with fear in all patients due to the fear of mortality

But why is breast cancer so dreaded and shaming?

• here is always the looming fear of mortality
• The couple may suffer distance in the relationship as the woman begins to focus on survival, excluding the healthy person from intimate experiences.
• Few couples are prepared for the early menopause brought on by all the medications
• Threaded throughout are the emotions surrounding body image.
• Perhaps counselling for the spouse or partner as well as the marriage could help prevent divorce and improve relationship functioning during cancer treatment.

Mental morbidity….Breast cancer post mastectomy studies in India

• Fear/Denial of diagnosis and Surgery
• Fear of pre and post surgical experience and relationship with spouse, children and family.
• Mental stress due to perception of loss of feminity.
• Turbulent relationship with spouse.
• Sexuality issues due to disturbed body image.
• Fear of rejection and separation from husband.
• Fear of relapse.
• Reflection on way forward –spread to opposite breast and other organs

The incidence of

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Failed relationships

Can be as high as 30% after mutilating breast cancer surgery