PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER

Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

Lilly Tyler

February 9, 2018

Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER

Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer

Women with breast cancer are more likely to experience psychological distress than

others (Stafford et al.,2013). Many studies have been performed to observe indications of

depression and anxiety over time, starting at the diagnosis (Stafford et al.). Most of these studies

have concluded that symptoms improve as time progresses. However, during the time that these

women do undergo distress, it could hinder their everyday life and even future (Breastcancer.org,

Nd).

Distress in Women with Breast Cancer

Diagnosis of breast cancer is a very life changing moment, most women remember very

specific details of when they were diagnosed, including how they felt (Spiegel, 2015). Breast

cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, as well as one of the highest leading

causes of deaths from cancer (So et al., 2009). In 2005, 502,000 women died from this disease

(Sharpley, 2007). With patients knowing this, many different types of feelings may arise. Forms

of psychological distress include depression and anxiety (Ng et al.,2017). The commonness of

distress in breast cancer patients is over 30% (Ng et al.,2017). Ranking number three, breast

cancer has one of the highest depression rates out of all cancer types following pancreatic, head,

and neck cancer (Ng et al.,2017).

Quality of Life

A good quality of life consists of health, happiness, and comfort. Patients with breast

cancer are reported to have a lower quality of life than the general population (Hutter et al.,

2013). Although it is not rare for a patient with breast cancer to experience symptoms of distress,

it is often overlooked or not treated well enough (Ng et al.,2017). One of the most common

indications of distress in breast cancer patients is anxiety, a state of uncertainty and intense fear,
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER

with rates ranging from 10%-30% (Ng et al.,2017). Women with breast cancer are often

unwilling to talk about their symptoms of depression and anxiety, which results in them never

getting the treatment they need (Ng et al.,2017). The problem with this is that it could affect the

patients decision to agree with treatment and possibly whether or not the patient takes care of

themselves (Ng et al.,2017). Because of the way they feel about themselves and life they may not

want or even try to get better. Women may use defense mechanisms such as repression and

denial to protect themselves from these feelings (Hyphantis, 2013). They may believe that it is

easier to ignore their problems rather than dealing with them. This could be a problem because

they may disregard treatments which would result in them not getting better.

Symptoms and Causes

Symptoms of psychological distress can be mental and physical. Some examples of these

symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, sleep issues, lack of interest, and a feeling of

hopelessness (Hutter et al., 2013). There can be many causes of these feelings, one cause being

side effects of the treatment and illness (Breastcancer.org, Nd). It is often harder for physicians

to diagnose patients with this because signs of distress can be very similar to those of the illness

(Ng et al.,2017). Another cause of these symptoms could be the fear of death and recurrence.(Ng

et al.,2017). Body image and self-esteem issues are also a big reasoning for distress, it may be

harder for them to feel attractive in their own body after a mastectomy or undergoing physical

and hormonal changes (So et al., 2009). A woman's age and cancer stage may have a large

influence on whether or not they experience distress as well (Cardoso, 2016).

Women with breast cancer have a higher chance of encountering psychological distress

(Stafford et al.,2013). Emotional distress in breast cancer patients should be noticed more and

treated correctly (Ng et al.,2017). Although this can get better over time, necessary treatment
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER

should be performed while they have it, if not it could change their outlook on life and interfere

with their future and chance of getting better (Ng et al.,2017).

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER

References

Cardoso, G., Graca, J., Klut, C., Trancas, B., & Papoila, A. (2016). Depression and

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Depression: A Side Effect of Treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2018, from

http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/depression

Hutter, N., Vogel, B., Alexander, T., Baumeister, H., Helmes, A., & Bengel, J. (2013).

Are depression and anxiety determinants or indicators of quality of life in breast cancer patients?.

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Hyphantis, T., Almyroudi, A., Paika, V., Degner, L. F., Carvalho, A. F., & Pavlidis, N.

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Stafford, L., Judd, F., Gibson, P., Komiti, A., Mann, G. B., & Quinn, M. (2013).

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doi:10.1002/pon.3253