Breast cancer and your mental health

A BREAST cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering event that brings a whirlwind of emotions. Whether it is yourself or a loved one who has received this diagnosis, the impact on mental health can be profound.

Amid the physical challenges of cancer treatment, mental well-being can often take a back seat. However, taking care of your mental health is crucial for navigating this difficult journey. Cancer does not just affect the body; it also takes a significant toll on mental health.

According to Dr Pearnel Bell, clinical psychologist, feelings of shock and disbelief are common and can look a lot like grief. Cancer and the impact that treatment has on the body, she said, can alter the way people see themselves, impacting self-esteem and making them rethink their identity.

The uncertainty of the future, the physical side effects of treatment, and the changes in lifestyle and body image can also heighten feelings of loss. They can also have an impact on relationships with friends, family, spouses and co-workers.

“Getting a breast cancer diagnosis can be very disconcerting for many people. Persons with a breast cancer diagnosis may immediately feel like this is a death sentence, and this could lead to fear. A woman’s breast is part of their identity; and she may have to do a mastectomy that could make her feel a loss of sense of womanhood and a loss of sense of self, which could signal a greater process of grief. This could lead to mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression,” Dr Bell said.

Nearly one in every four people diagnosed with breast cancer experiences depression, according to the American Cancer Society. The symptoms of anxiety could be restlessness, difficulty concentrating and a feeling of being wound up or on edge, irritability, inability to relax, difficulty controlling worry, shaking, and fast or irregular heartbeat.

“Anxiety can interfere with a patient’s quality of life and the ability to follow through with their cancer therapy. Higher levels of insomnia, pain expectation, and depression may also be a result of anxiety,” Dr Bell said.

Symptoms of depression may include depressed mood lasting for most of the day, nearly every day; noticeable loss of pleasure or interest in normal activities for most of the day, nearly every day; significant weight loss or gain, and decrease or increase in appetite; sleeping much more than usual or much less; fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day; feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt; decreased ability to think or concentrate; and frequent thoughts of death or suicide.

According to Dr Bell, feeling overwhelmed is a normal response to a breast cancer diagnosis. However, negative emotions can cause people to stop doing things that are good for them and start doing things that are especially worrisome for those with a serious disease.

“Those diagnosed with breast cancer may start eating poorly; for instance, eating fewer meals and choosing foods of lower nutritional value. They may cut back on exercise. They may have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, and they may withdraw from family and friends. At the same time, these patients may use alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or other drugs to soothe themselves,” Dr Bell said.

Some patients may become so disheartened by their cancer diagnosis and treatment that they refuse to undergo surgery or simply stop going to radiation or chemotherapy appointments.

For some patients, the focus may be on how to explain their illness to their children, or how to deal with a partner’s response to their diagnosis. 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.

According to Dr Bell, identifying and addressing well-being challenges in a timely manner can not only improve quality of life, but may also lead to better overall health outcomes.

“If you or someone you know is living with or impacted by breast cancer and are experiencing these or other mental health symptoms, do not hesitate to seek well-being support. This can include practising self-care, talking to loved ones, engaging community resources, and bringing up these concerns with your care team,” Dr Bell said.

Individuals can access resources from the Jamaica Cancer Society, the main organisation in Jamaica that provides a rounded support of persons with breast cancer. They partner with other organisations to provide support by directing persons with breast cancer to various resources, including mental health support.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com

SOURCE: Jamaica Cancer Society, American Cancer Society