The Psycho-Social Side of Breast Cancer
If breast cancer only affected us physically, the disease itself would generally not be so bad. For most women, who do not have metastatic disease, the process of diagnosis, surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy usually takes about one year to complete. However, it is the emotional impact and psychological scars and social issues that take a toll on our already fragile from the disease physical selves.
Over the past 5 years or so, researchers have recognized the impact and importance of the intangible elements of breast cancer. Here is a brief sampling of recent studies addressing these needs:
Pyschological and Physical Adjustment to Breast Cancer Over 4 Years: Identifying Distinct Trajectories of Change Long title, but well meaning study. Two hundred eighty-seven women who were disease-free after 4 years were participants. Not surprisingly, most women showed slow and steady improvement over time. Some women, however, showed rapid improvement or rapid deterioration. Age had the biggest influence on physical adjustment. For the psychological aspsects, several personal indices played a role: self-image, optimism, perceived control. The social factor which impacted on a woman's progress was support in various forms.
This article is from Health Psychology 2004, Volume 23, No. 1, pages 3-15. I believe you have to register to access the full text.
Predictors of Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients There have been many studies presented which address quality of life issues. This study attempted to have a large enough patient study population to allow multivariate analyses. It also included arm morbidity, communication and comorbid illness as part of the mix. What that means in plain talk is that the greater the number of patients enrolled in a study, the more different analyses that can be performed (If there were ten people in your study, it would not be real significant to say that 50% of the patients gained weight. However, if you had 5000 people in your study, 50% weight gain would be significant.) Arm morbidity may refer to range of motion, loss of sensation, swelling, lymphedema - it is just another contributing factor which is not often included in study criteria. Communication - this inclusion fascinates me - I believe HOW your doctor speaks to you is just as important as the medical care he gives you. And finally comorbidity - fancy word for having another illness/disease at the same time (Example: I have/had hypertension - high blood pressure - before/during and after my battle with breast cancer. The trick for the doctors was working to establish the correct dosages for my blood pressure medications during chemotherapy and then adjusting my dosage of blood pressure meds and my hormonal pills after chemotherapy.)
Latest Articles