Coping with breast cancer

By Wendel Abel

Mary was bathing one day when she felt a lump in her breast. She was terrified. "This must be cancer," she thought. She immediately thought of death. Instead of going to see her doctor, she went into denial. The lump grew larger and larger and she kept this a secret.

She self-medicated with large doses of vitamin. Her health started to decline. She lost weight and became weak. Finally, the lump got out of control and became a large mass that started to bleed. Her friends encouraged her to go to the doctor but, by then, the cancer had spread. Mary died.

Joan felt a lump in her breast one morning. She decided that whatever it was she was going to deal with it and get the best possible care. She went to her doctor who ran some tests and, within two weeks, it was confirmed that she had breast cancer. Joan informed her family and close friends who helped her in the decision-making process.

She joined the cancer society and became part of a support group. Her friends at church prayed for her continuously. She was never alone. She cooperated with her treatment. Today, several years later, Joan is still alive. She is a survivor.

Two women diagnosed with breast cancer. They dealt with it differently. One went into denial and did not seek treatment. One accepted the diagnosis and faced it with courage. One died and the other survived.

Surviving cancer is not necessarily a simple process. A diagnosis of cancer does not mean death in all instances. Most persons cope well with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer but, for many, it is a struggle.

Here are some tips for coping with a diagnosis of breast cancer:

Deal with your emotions. The suspicion of a lump, or being told that you have cancer, may generate despair, hopelessness, anxiety, fear, anger, depression and many other emotions.

These emotions are real to persons experiencing them and, most people, when faced with the diagnosis of cancer may experience one or many of these emotions.

Confront denial. Denial is a terrible response. Many people, when faced with the possibility or reality of having cancer, go into denial. Denial may prevent us from taking appropriate action such as visiting the doctor, doing surgery or participating in other forms of treatment such as chemotherapy. Many people in denial may seek out other forms of treatment that have not been shown to be beneficial.

Seek out information. Find out as much information as possible. Speak to cancer survivors, discuss your treatment options with your doctors and access as much information as possible online or elsewhere.

Get psychological support. If you are overwhelmed by your emotions and realise that you are not coping, seek professional help. Well-trained mental-health professionals will help you process your emotions, help you put things in perspective and guide you in making the appropriate decisions. They may also be able to help you deal with anxiety and depression, if you develop these conditions.

Join a support group. Support groups are great. They provide emotional support, are a source of information and may be a source of comfort and hope. The Jamaica Cancer Society provides a range of services for people diagnosed with cancer.

Involve your family and friends. Depending on your particular situation, involve your family and friends as best as possible. They can be a source of comfort and support, and often feel disappointed when left out of the picture.

Remember, most people cope with cancer. Lift the veil of secrecy and silence and face the diagnosis of cancer with courage.

Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept Of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.