The Psychoworld of Breast Cancer Patients: Challenges and Responses

I. General psychological responses to breast cancer (i) shock and denial at diagnosisWhen patients learn that they are diagnosed with breast cancer, the first reaction is often shock. It’s like being suddenly pushed into a dark abyss where the brain can’t accept this cruel reality. Many patients find themselves trapped in a denial that this is a misdiagnosis, repeatedly requesting re-examination or seeking reasons to deny the diagnosis. For example, a young working woman whose first reaction, after receiving a medical report, was: “This must have been a mistake, I’ve been in good health, how can it be a cancer” and then she asked around about the other hospital tests, hoping for a different conclusion.(ii) Fear and anxietyFear of the disease itselfBreast cancer is a serious disease, and patients are extremely afraid of the development of cancer, the suffering during treatment and the possible recurrence and transfer of cancer. They fear that cancer cells will spread to other parts of the body, affecting the functioning of vital organs and even endangering life. For example, patients often imagine that cancer cells are like little monsters in their bodies and they can’t help themselves.2. Anxiety about the side effects of treatment1. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and treatment can have a range of side effects. The operation may change the body ‘ s appearance, such as the feeling of physical disability following the mammography, and cause psychological distress. The side effects of chemotherapy, such as disempowerment, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc., can cause great anxiety. Imagine seeing a beautiful hair fall off, or being tormented by a disgusting feeling all day, the psychological stress of the patient can be seen.(iii) Depression and helplessness1. Depression1. In the course of illness and treatment, patients are prone to depression. The combination of physical discomfort, changing appearances and fears for future life discourages patients. They may lose interest in what they once liked, be bored all day, even with signs of crying, insomnia, etc.2. Helplessness1. Patients often feel helpless in the face of complex medical decisions and lengthy treatment processes. They may feel that they have no control over the development of the disease and the results of its treatment, but only under doctoral arrangements. This sense of helplessness further increases the psychological burden on them, as if ships had lost their way in the open sea and had to follow the waves.(iv) Anger and resentment1. Angry about fate1. Some patients are angry at themselves for having breast cancer and ask why they have suffered such misfortune. Such anger may be directed to the outside world, for example, complaining about the social environment, stress, etc., which leads to illness; it may also point to itself and blame itself for not taking good care of his body.2. Hatred against family and friends1. After the illness, the patient ‘ s psychological sensitivity becomes more sensitive. If they feel that their families and friends do not provide adequate understanding and support, resentment may arise. For example, patients may be furious with an unintentional statement from their families, who feel they simply cannot feel their pain.II. The impact of psychological factors on the treatment and rehabilitation of breast cancerA positive psychological state increases patients ‘ dependence on treatment. When patients are confident in treatment and are confident that they can overcome the disease, they are more willing to cooperate with the doctor ‘ s treatment programme and to take medications, periodic examinations and treatments on time. On the contrary, patients in a negative psychological state, such as excessive fear or depression, may escape treatment, fail to take their medication on time or interrupt treatment, without any doubt affecting its effectiveness.(ii) Impact on physical rehabilitationThe mind and body are interconnected. A good psychological state promotes physical rehabilitation. Research shows that positive breast cancer patients heal faster after surgery and are more resilient to chemotherapy and treatment. This is because positive emotions can regulate the body ‘ s immune system and increase the resistance of the body. In the case of long-term patients with negative emotions, the immune system may be inhibited, thus delaying the recovery process and increasing the risk of complications.III. Strategy to help patients with breast cancer cope with psychological problems (i) Psychological care for patients themselvesCognitive behaviour therapy1. Patients can change their way of thinking and behaviour through cognitive behaviour therapy. First, it is necessary to have a proper understanding of breast cancer and knowledge of the disease, including treatment methods and prognosis. This reduces the fear of ignorance. For example, patients can attend a hospital-organized group of patients or read professional medical books, learn the experience and scientific knowledge of other patients and adjust their own awareness of the disease.2. Relaxing trainingRelaxation of training has been very effective in easing anxiety and stress among patients. Common relaxing methods include deep breath, gradual muscle laxity, meditation and yoga. Patients can devote some time per day to relax training to ease their physical and mental well-being. For example, deep-breath training, slowly inhaling, filling the abdomen with air, and then slowly exhale, repeating the process and helping patients to relax and improve the quality of their sleep.(ii) Family and social supportFamily care and understandingFamilies play a vital role in the psychological support of patients. They must give the patient sufficient care and understanding and listen patiently to his or her voice. For example, accompanying patients to hospitals, comforting patients when they are depressed, preparing them for nutritious food, etc. Family support can warm patients and enhance their confidence in fighting disease.2. Friends and social support networks1. The encouragement and support of friends cannot be ignored. In addition, there are many support organizations for breast cancer patients in society, which can provide them with a platform of communication to share their experiences and feelings. For example, some charities organize outdoor activities for breast cancer patients to relax in nature and to meet like-minded friends, support and encourage each other.(iii) Professional psychological intervention1. Psychological assistance1. Psychologists can provide professional psychological counselling for breast cancer patients. Depending on the patient ‘ s specific psychological problems, they will use appropriate psychotherapy methods such as individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, etc. In individual psychotherapy, counsellors communicate with patients on a one-to-one basis to help them develop their emotions and adjust their mentalities. Group psychotherapy allows patients to feel that they are not alone in the group environment and to share and grow up with other patients.2. Intervention of psychiatrists1. Psychologists can assess and diagnose patients suffering from severe depression, anxiety, etc., and provide appropriate medication. These drugs can help people with emotional symptoms, improve their psychological state and create good conditions for subsequent treatment and rehabilitation.