Coping with Breast Cancer: Receiving the diagnosis

Since less than 25% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have genetic or other known risk factors, the first reaction is often one of shock.

Along with the diagnosis comes a great deal of medical information to assimilate. The pathology report will describe the kind of cancer and its stage of growth. This information will guide discussions with physicians about various treatment options. Another medical opinion may be sought, and the possible risks and benefits of treatment will be weighed and measured.

To many patients and their families, this will be like suddenly finding themselves living in a foreign country, with very little knowledge of the language, and many new situations to address. There are real life issues with spouses and children, arrangements to be made at work, concerns about physical changes and possible debilitation, and survival fears. Being diagnosed with breast cancer, and feeling anxious, afraid and overwhelmed is what psychologists often refer to as "a normal reaction to an abnormal event."

Here are some suggestions for healthy coping behaviors:

• Don't blame yourself for this illness


• Let yourself grieve


• Share your feelings with people you trust


• Communicate openly with your health care team


• Write down your questions prior to your appointments and take someone along with you who can also ask questions and take notes for you


• Attend a support group and speak with other survivors


• Treat yourself well and take naps


• Anticipate that you will need different kinds of help and ask for it


• Include a psychologist or other mental health professional who is knowledgable about breast cancer on your health care team

These are some additional resources for coping with breast cancer: http://www.komen.org/

http://www.cancercare.org/

http://www.breastcancer.org/

http://www.cancerhopenetwork.org/

http://www.webmd.com/

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a good time to emphasize the importance of some healthy behaviors!

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in American women and one in every eight women develop breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2009, there will be 192, 370 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women. It is also estimated that 1, 910 new cases will be diagnosed in men.

Eating a nutritious diet, maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical exercise are healthy behaviors that are believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Also, while there are currently no definitive ways of preventing breast cancer, we know that breast self-exams and regular mammograms are important behaviors that help detect breast cancer in earlier stages, when there is likely to be a better prognosis.

For more information about breast self-exams, and mammograms contact your physician. Further information is also available at:

www.breastselfexam.ca

www.cancer.org

http://www.medicinenet.com/

Watch for future blog posts this month about Coping with Breast Cancer, and How Psychological Treatment can help the Body and the Mind.