<strong>Knowing Breast Cancer Survivors' Psychosocial Health Needs</strong>

Breast cancer is the foremost reason for cancer mortality among women. The impact of cancer is undoubtedly stressful. Most women go through psychosocial distress during the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Such suffering may interfere with the quality of life and the ability to make appropriate treatment decisions. About 25% of cancer survivors face persistent problems of psychological distress. Younger women experience a lower quality of life than older patients due to psychological distress. With the increasing number of cancer survivors, the issue of addressing their psychological concerns has become more urgent. Dr. Manish Singhal, an oncologist in Delhi, suggests medication for recovery from psychological despair as soon as possible to prevent other health issues.

What are the psychological effects of breast cancer?

A diagnosis like breast cancer can dig up a lot of negative feelings like depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, uncertainty, and body image issues. Psychosocial despair can be related to physical problems like illness, family problems, and psychological problems. Patients with breast cancer sometimes cannot cope with their fast-changing reality.

Women are concerned about the emotional distress that breast cancer causes their family members. Because of breast cancer, women and their husbands experience several psychological distresses, such as depression, anxiety, communication avoidance, or termination of the relationship. Younger women and women with a history of psychiatric illnesses are at greater risk of emotional misery. It is essential to recognize these psychological changes and get help when needed. 

• Anxiety

Anxiety means feeling worried, uncomfortable, or scared about a possible situation. It is crucial to recognize anxiety or uneasiness and take steps to prevent it. 

• Distress

Distress is an unpleasant feeling, thought, or condition. Being distressed can affect your thinking and make it hard for the patient to cope with the effects of having breast cancer.

• Depression

Feelings depressed are common in cancer patients and survivors. It is vital to spot depression and to be concerned if there is a reason.

 What are the psychosocial factors of cancer?

The association between psychosocial factors and cancer is mixed. Not only psychological but also breast cancer patients go through psychosocial factors. Psychosocial factors, like general distress, depression, personality traits, and low social support, may increase cancer risk by affecting immune function. 

Some researchers have recently reported that cancer affects the psychological status of cancer patients. Almost all cancer survivors face emotional issues even after treatment. Dr. Manish Singhal suggests therapy, help from support groups, and community resources cope with these issues. Firstly, you should realize that you have psychological problems and need to reach out for help. Cancer survivors often deal with some of the most common psychosocial issues:

• Fear of recurrence
• Grief 
• Depression
• Body image 
• Spirituality 
• Survivor guilt 
• Relationships
• The Workplace
• Mental Health Problems
• Financial problem
• Social stress
• Reduced Employment and Income

What impact does a cancer diagnosis have on the psychosocial status of the patients and their families?

 The psychosocial status of cancer patients and their family members, compared to the general population, conveys that cancer patients and their family members face psychosocial difficulties due to cancer diagnosis. Family members of cancer patients remain limited functionally and have low self-rated health, a history of depression, significantly higher stress, and current depressive symptoms. The presence of a cancer patient in the family is associated with depressive symptoms due to adverse changes in socioeconomic status.

So, the use of multidisciplinary procedures for improving the psychological health of patients and their family members is essential. A cancer diagnosis causes lifestyle changes and overwhelming complex feelings for the patients and the nearest people. Cancer patients need help with mutually supportive relationships during this challenging time. In addition, for partners of cancer patients and some families, the stress of cancer may create new problems and worsen existing problems. 

• Changing roles, dynamics, and behavior in a relationship

• Changing responsibilities among the family members

• Declining physical strength and changing needs 

• Changing emotional needs and ways of communication 

 According to Dr. Manish Singhal, numerous people have little experience with life-threatening diseases. For some, it may be terrifying to know that they have cancer. Your diagnosis may bring up painful memories for others. For these reasons, some of your friends or family members may not provide the support you expect.

Conclusion

A lack of communication usually leads to frustration, isolation, and misunderstandings. Talking about feelings and personal needs with openness lowers the stress on relationships. Several providers help the patients to handle the psychological consequences of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. As psychological factors play a significant role in the well-being of the patients, it is essential to have a comprehensive treatment to address the psychological needs of breast cancer patients. For the proper diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, you should consult Dr. Manish Singhal, a reputed oncologist in Delhi who ensures total recovery also with essential psychological support.