BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM
Surgery is one of the main treatments for breast cancer and some women may be recommended a mastectomy, which involves the removal of an entire breast. (A double or bilateral mastectomy requires the removal of both breasts.)
This surgery alters the woman’s natural body shape and can have a significant impact on her body image and self-esteem, leading to feelings of loss, grief and altered self-perception.
FEMININITY AND IDENTITY
Our breasts are a significant part of what defines us as females and no woman should ever expect to lose her breasts in her lifetime. When breast cancer robs a patient of her breasts, it can affect her sense of femininity and identity. Coping with the potential loss of one or both breasts can be emotionally challenging.
SOCIAL SUPPORT OR STIGMA?
While there has consistently been a strong emphasis on breast cancer awareness and support in our society, this can be both beneficial and challenging.
Patients may discover significant support and useful resources, but they may also encounter unwanted expectations or uninvited judgement when it comes to their decisions around their diagnosis and treatment.
PROBLEMS WITH INTIMACY AND RELATIONSHIPS
This is likely the most under-addressed issue faced by breast cancer patients. The physical and emotional changes brought about by this ailment can impact intimacy in relationships in unexpected ways.
No matter how supportive one’s partner might be, it is difficult to comprehend exactly what a patient is going through and some patients find it challenging to communicate their needs and fears to their partners. This in turn affects their emotional wellbeing.
FERTILITY AND FAMILY PLANNING CONCERNS
Breast cancer can strike at any age – Dr Tseng has patients who are only in their 20s. Younger patients may not have even started family planning or may be in the midst of it, and all these grind to an abrupt halt post-diagnosis.
Fertility troubles are among the side effects of breast cancer treatment and patients may feel distressed over their ability to have children, now or in the future. Some patients believe their own life is worth more than the idea of having a family but for others, it can be devastating to have one’s dream of a family being ripped apart so suddenly.
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Surgery is one of the main treatments for breast cancer and some women may be recommended a mastectomy, which involves the removal of an entire breast. (A double or bilateral mastectomy requires the removal of both breasts.)
This surgery alters the woman’s natural body shape and can have a significant impact on her body image and self-esteem, leading to feelings of loss, grief and altered self-perception.
FEMININITY AND IDENTITY
Our breasts are a significant part of what defines us as females and no woman should ever expect to lose her breasts in her lifetime. When breast cancer robs a patient of her breasts, it can affect her sense of femininity and identity. Coping with the potential loss of one or both breasts can be emotionally challenging.
SOCIAL SUPPORT OR STIGMA?
While there has consistently been a strong emphasis on breast cancer awareness and support in our society, this can be both beneficial and challenging.
Patients may discover significant support and useful resources, but they may also encounter unwanted expectations or uninvited judgement when it comes to their decisions around their diagnosis and treatment.
PROBLEMS WITH INTIMACY AND RELATIONSHIPS
This is likely the most under-addressed issue faced by breast cancer patients. The physical and emotional changes brought about by this ailment can impact intimacy in relationships in unexpected ways.
No matter how supportive one’s partner might be, it is difficult to comprehend exactly what a patient is going through and some patients find it challenging to communicate their needs and fears to their partners. This in turn affects their emotional wellbeing.
FERTILITY AND FAMILY PLANNING CONCERNS
Breast cancer can strike at any age – Dr Tseng has patients who are only in their 20s. Younger patients may not have even started family planning or may be in the midst of it, and all these grind to an abrupt halt post-diagnosis.
Fertility troubles are among the side effects of breast cancer treatment and patients may feel distressed over their ability to have children, now or in the future. Some patients believe their own life is worth more than the idea of having a family but for others, it can be devastating to have one’s dream of a family being ripped apart so suddenly.
Continue reading...