PSYCHOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS: BREAST CANCER

In honour of breast cancer awareness month, we take a look at the psychological effects of being diagnosed and how your mind can help your body. TEXT SKYE LAVIS

According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in 31 South African women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer can be one of the most dreadful events a woman can ever experience, and because many of them have no family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, the diagnosis often comes as a devastating surprise.

Even after the initial shock of the diagnosis has passed, the distress may continue. As women begin what is often a lengthy treatment process, they may fnd themselves faced with new problems such as personal relationships for instance. Tey may face discrimnation from employers or insurance companies. Tey may be very worried about their symptoms, treatment, and mortality and all these factors can contribute to chronic stress, anxiety and depression.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Get educated Knowing basic facts about breast cancer and preparing questions before an appointment is crucial. Cancer is a mysterious and unknown disease that can be very frightening.

Te more a patient feels self-determined and informed about cancer, the more he/she can move forward with a feeling of some control. A proactive approach may help a patient better anticipate what to expect during treatment and beyond, thus reducing anxiety.

Transparency A common concern many people may have is how to tell their children. It is extremely important to do it in a way appropriate to the age and circumstances of your child. Te preparation is really around knowing each child and how they handle difcult information. Share information as you get it and do so in a simple and calm manner.

Accept help Whether it’s preparing lunch boxes for the week or driving the kids to soccer practice, help from others can lighten your load during a stressful time. A suggestion may be to designate a representative to handle requests, as friends and loved ones afraid of bothering the family may hesitate otherwise. Te appointed person can also serve as a spokesperson to share updates from the patient and forward messages from well-wishers.

Listen to your body Rest is a critical part of this process and extremly important for your selfcare. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause fatigue, nausea and pain, among other side efects. Know that your body may have reduced capacity and react accordingly when needed. Reevaluate expectations of physical activity and give yourself permission to change plans. WHEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP When negative emotions cause you to stop doing things that are good for you, it’s time to consider psychological help. For example, when the diagnosis leads to more severe problems such as withdrawal from family and friends or engaging in substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Another example is when a patient becomes so disheartened by the diagnosis and refuses to undergo surgery or simply stops radiation or chemotherapy appointments. PYSCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT Licensed psychologists and other mental health professionals with experience in breast cancer treatment can help a great deal. Teir primary goal is to help women learn how to cope with the physical,

emotional and lifestyle changes associated with cancer as well as with medical treatments that can be painful and traumatic. For some women, the focus may be on how to explain their illness to their children or how to deal with a partner’s response. For others, it may be on how to choose the right hospital or medical treatment. For still others, it may be on how to control stress, anxiety, or depression. By teaching patients problem-solving strategies in a supportive environment, psychologists help women work through their grief, fear, and other emotions.

MIND OVER BODY Can psychological treatment help my body? Absolutely. Psychologists empower women to make more informed choices in the face of conficting advice and can help them communicate more efectively with their health care providers. Simply put, psychologists help women become more fully engaged in their own treatment. Te result is an enhanced understanding of the disease and its treatment and a greater willingness to do what needs to help

them get well. ■

ACCEPTING YOURSELF

POST CANCER

TEXT SKYE LAVIS

Life after cancer can be confusing time for some. Of course it’s a time flled with relief and hope, but for some it’s also a time flled with worries and concerns about whether the cancer may return.

Post cancer, one starts to refect and realise the full extent of the changes that have occurred in their lives due to the impact of cancer and the efects of treatment. Tese changes do not only afect our physical well-being but there are

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psychological efects and social barriers to overcome as well. Although it may not be easy, here are a few tips to help you adjust to the changes that come with this life threatening illness and the journey of self acceptance post cancer.

1. Use your support system Your family and close friends have probably been a part of your journey from the beginning. From the initial news and shock of the diagnosis, to the countless medical appointments and treatments. Tey have seen you at your worst and at your best. In this time of post-cancer treatment, their care and support is still essential. Your family and loved ones can provide you with love, warmth and positive energy that will be great for your spirit. If you aren’t already part of a support group for cancer survivors, now would be a great time as ever to join one. Support groups are important because you are surrounded by like-minded people who have shared the same or similar experience. It might be easier to share your stories, be vulnerable and in turn, encourage and be encouraged by those around you. 2. Heal your relationship with your body As with any changes that occur in your life that aren’t necessarily related to cancer, it takes time to adjust and to become accustomed to those changes. You may look in the mirror and not recognise the person that is staring back at you. Perhaps there were certain aspects about your physical appearance that you took pride in. Don’t allow your mind to be consumed by the negative. Rather look in the mirror and focus on the positive aspects and the new aspects of your physical appearance and embrace it.

3. Exercise your body & mind Incorporating a good and healthy lifestyle is not only essential for your physical health but also your emotional and mental health as well. Eating well will not only help you feel good inside but this will help you regain strength in your recovery process. Exercise is key in supplying your body with all the good endorphins which aid in healing and helps to relieve pain, keeping you feeling positive.

4. Be proud of your scars As difcult as it may be, there will come a time in which you need to accept that this is a diferent version of yourself - not a completely diferent person. Herein lies the beauty, that you can still be the best version of yourself, even if it’s a diferent form. Te most important aspect when it comes to accepting yourself post-cancer is recognising that you are a survivor. Wear your scars proudly! ■

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