Emotional Health of Breast Cancer Patients

Doctors focus on helping breast cancer patients become physically well again, but not a lot of attention is paid to the emotional wellbeing of breast cancer patients.

According to a study of breast cancer patients by researchers in Australia, women who live alone and well-educated women are hardest hit emotionally by breast cancer. Co-chief investigator of the study, Robin Bell, suggested that women living alone may benefit by targeted provision of social support.

Researchers think that the lower wellbeing results of more educated women may reflect greater anxiety over making decisions and difficulty coping with a sense loss of control. Dr. Susan R Davis, who was involved with the study, encourages health care providers to be sensitive to the possibility that highly educated women may not deal as well psychologically with the disease.

How do you feel about these study results? Anyone with breast cancer needs support, and there are several resources out there.

Resources for Women with Breast Cancer

The Reach to Recovery program by the American Cancer Society matches volunteers who’ve had breast cancer with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. The volunteers offer support and hope at a very overwhelming time. The volunteers stay in contact with patients as long as breast cancer is a concern. To be matched with a volunteer or to volunteer yourself, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

You may also take an online “I Can Cope” class by the American Cancer Society. No registration is required.

Take advantage of the YourShoes 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center by Breast Cancer Network of Strength. A trained peer counselor can answer your questions and provide support on the phone. Call them anytime at 1-800-221-2141.

(Image via WikiMedia Commons)