The importance of psychological support for breast cancer

When you hear the words "cancer" and "it's bad" it's like a jug of cold water. You don't even know how to act, you don't react, the doctor talks and talks and you don't know anything (M.J., breast cancer survivor).

This was answered by a breast cancer survivor when I decided to do my research on the subject by interviewing people who have suffered it in the first person.

Breast cancer is the second most prevalent type of cancer, especially in women. In Spain alone, more than 33,000 cases are diagnosed per year (data from Aecc 2019).

Fortunately, the data on survival is getting better and better. In fact, according to data from the Aecc, if it is detected in its initial stage, the chances of cure are 100%. At this stage we have a great responsibility over our health: to get the appropriate check-ups every year.

This type of cancer can be detected long before any symptoms appear: a mammogram, for example, can detect abnormalities up to two years before they are palpable.

In this article I would like to talk about the psychological impact of breast cancer

, both for the sick (I will speak in feminine since most of the patients are women) and for the relatives and / or caregivers.

• Related article: "Health Psychology: history, definition and fields of application"

The psychological consequences of breast cancer

After my conversations with survivors and relatives of people with cancer, I will differentiate three key moments: diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment.

Diagnostic phase

From the moment an anomaly has been detected, you are like in a cloud. Many tests and some very unpleasant. Half the time we don't know what they are for and we don't even know how to pronounce them, but we're going to all of them to see if someone gives you information or you see a gesture in someone that gives you a clue, but any. They just do it for you and you go home.

In these first moments, before the diagnosis, uncertainty and fear already appear. Rumination, worries, negative thoughts, anticipations appear... However, at this moment they are mixed mixed with the hope that in the end everything will be a scare.

Hope is a very powerful emotion that can protect and give determination to endure all trials.

The moment the diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed, the feeling is of panic (As expressed at the beginning of this article).

The panic it is a very intense feeling of anxiety at a certain moment. A feeling of terror, in this case, in the face of potential danger, since the word cancer is closely associated with the word "death" (with all that it entails) despite the fact that it is not certain whether it will happen or not.

• You may be interested in: "Psychooncology: the role of the psychologist in cancer"

What symptoms does a panic attack have?

The main symptoms linked to panic attacks are as follows.

• Tachycardia: the heart begins to beat very hard
• Pain in the chest or stomach
• Shortness of breath, hyperventilation
• Feeling of muscle weakness or dizziness
• Sweating
• Heat or chills
• Tingling or numbness in the hands
• Feeling of unreality, dissociation

It is very likely that the doctor is explaining important issues of diagnosis, prognosis and treatment, while the woman is in this panic episode unable to hear. You cannot listen or pay attention because all your attention is focused on the word "death" and pain.

• Related article: "What is fear for?"

Why is it important to seek psychological help at this time?

It is important to prevent psychological sequelae and to be able to achieve a good attitude with which to face treatment and post-treatment The best way possible.

At this time, work should be done in the following areas:

• Reduce the search for information in the wrong places such as internet search engines.
• Coping: the resilience of the patient
• Tolerance for uncertainty
• Emotional management especially of anxiety and fear
• I work on negative thoughts and cognitive errors.
• Strengthen the support network

Treatment phase

During the treatment phase, obvious physical changes such as hair loss begin to occur. Nevertheless, Despite the initial shock, the treatment is so harsh that it leaves little time to think..

The work of the psychologist at this stage is fundamentally supportive. In this sense, the most important functions carried out by the psychologist are the following:

• Keep the patient focused on the goal: overcome the disease.
• I work on a positive attitude and motivation for a better adherence to treatment.
• Creation and / or maintenance of basic healthy habits such as sleep hygiene, correct nutrition or personal hygiene.
• Emotional management of the "lows"
• Management of negative thoughts and thinking errors such as catastrophizing.

Post-treatment phase

When the treatment is finished it is a very desolate moment in which you are left helpless and with the feeling that you are going to have another one again at any time and in any place. From then on, everything that happens to you: a pain in a knee, a constipation or a simple headache due to atmospheric change in our mind, only the word 'cancer' reverberates..

As I said earlier, in the treatment phase most women focus on chemotherapy, radiation therapy or prescribed treatment, going to and from the hospital and discomfort caused by the drugs.

You are so focused on physical discomfort that you don't have time to think about anything else.

Once the treatment is finished, the patient begins to notice the sequelae:

• Hair loss from the whole body, especially the most visible: head, eyelashes and eyebrows
• Weakening of the nails (they can become purple and fall off)
• Thinner and more sensitive skin
• Removal of one or two breasts: scar, physical change
• Arm mobility problems and loss of strength due to lymphadenectomy and / or reconstruction
• Graft pain
• Possible lymphedema (swelling of the arm from fluid build-up)
• Changes in lifestyle by having to constantly be aware of avoiding injuries, sudden changes in temperature, burns, stings and punctures.
• Others

These are some of the sequels that I have been referred to in interviews. Depending on the woman, all, some or other different ones may appear. If you have gone through or are going through this process, it would help me a lot (and other women) if you could leave a comment with the consequences you have experienced.

• You may be interested in: "The 10 benefits of going to psychological therapy"

Tips for a better psychological coping with breast cancer

These are the main tips to keep in mind in these kinds of situations.

• Find adequate information: do not use internet search engines. Instead talk to doctors, psychologists, different cancer associations or support groups.
• Eliminate the pressure of having to "be strong": give yourself permission to cry, be angry, communicate your fears, concerns, and ask for help.
• Normalize emotions: fear, anxiety, anguish, sadness are normal emotions in this type of situation.
• Have good habits: take care of your diet, respect sleep and rest times, do light exercise such as walking.
• Continue with pleasant activities or take the opportunity to start an activity that entertains and avoids such as painting, doing crafts, sewing, reading ...
• Do not stray from the social circle.
• That the disease is not the center of life: important to remember that "You are not sick, but you are sick that is different." A good attitude is very important to maintain strength and overcome cancer.
• Practice Mindfulness o meditation: they will help you exercise your attention, stay in the present moment, not get “hooked” on your negative thoughts or constant worry about the future.