Knowledge Dispels Fear
99.6 percent of women diagnosed with cancer localised to the breast survive for 5 years or more with prompt and appropriate treatment. The reassuring numbers have not been put forth to downplay the seriousness of cancer, but only to inform about the real-time global statistics of breast cancer. Fear amidst a diagnosis of ‘cancer’ may be inevitable, but correct knowledge about the treatment options and their outcomes will help overcome the fear.
Beyond the Body
A woman undergoing breast cancer treatment may experience distressing physical symptoms such as pain, vomiting, hair loss, skin changes, fatigue, etc. Emotional, social and spiritual aspects of distress are also important factors that interfere with a woman’s ability to cope effectively with the physical symptoms of cancer and its treatment. The psycho-social aspects of distress are often overlooked or inadequately addressed. International cancer care guidelines state that distress may range from common feelings of vulnerability, sadness and fear to more disabling depression, anxiety, panic, social isolation and existential and spiritual crisis.
Scars Are a Warrior’s Beauty Marks
Distress in women undergoing breast cancer treatment can arise from concerns regarding changes in physical appearance leading to body image issues. Despite widespread awareness among Indian women regarding breast conservation surgery, cultural inhibitions prevent women from engaging in detailed discussions regarding their expectations, in terms of cosmetic outcomes of breast cancer-related surgery. Clinical trials have been able to prove that survival after breast conservation surgery (removal of tumour with a margin) followed by radiotherapy is comparable to mastectomy (or complete removal of the breast) in early-stage breast cancers. If the clinical conditions preclude or do not allow for breast conservation surgery, mastectomy followed by breast reconstruction results in good cosmetic outcomes. Furthermore, oncoplastic techniques can be applied following breast conservation surgeries in situations where tumour resection alone would give suboptimal cosmetic outcomes.
Lose Hair but Not Hope
Starting on the day of the first consult, another concern that lingers in a woman’s mind regarding breast cancer treatment is hair loss due to chemotherapy. It will be reassuring to understand that the hair loss is temporary and that natural hair re-growth will resume in about 3 to 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. Fear of chemotherapy-induced hair loss sometimes becomes a reason for women to refrain from seeking medical help after a diagnosis of breast cancer. The need for chemotherapy in breast cancer is based on many patient-related clinical factors and it is best understood from a detailed discussion with an oncologist. The possibility of avoiding chemotherapy altogether can be explored during the consult with an oncologist in women with favourable hormone-responsive early breast cancers.
Beauty Is Not Glowing Skin but a Shining Soul
Skin and nail-related changes such as pigmentation and peeling are other cosmetic concerns leading to psychological stress and sometimes even social isolation. Radiotherapy related skin discolouration is temporary and localised to the area of treatment. Chemotherapy-induced skin and nail changes may involve multiple areas of the body and may take longer to be brought under control, but rest assured, regular use of emollients or moisturisers will help restore skin integrity over time.
Better Together
Body image issues translating to sexual issues and relationship conflicts with spouses usually remain undisclosed and unaddressed. Professional advice and family support will help overcome sexual health concerns and interpersonal issues among women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Mutual constructive communication strategies focused on active listening, empathy, respect, finding common ground and combined decision-making are recommended over mutual avoidance among partners.
Stretch to De-stress
Frustration can also arise from being unable to perform tasks or activities that were once easily done. Scarring from surgical procedures or radiotherapy and prolonged periods of inactivity or lack of exercise owing to treatment schedules may lead to painful or limited range of physical movements. Complementary therapies such as gentle massages and yoga will go a long way in improving flexibility and muscle strength. Such complementary therapies prove to be great relaxation techniques that not only rejuvenate the body but also help with healing the mind.
Paying due attention to the various aspects of a woman’s psycho-social health during breast cancer treatment becomes inevitable for the successful completion of the outlined or planned treatment protocol. This is emphasised in the WHO’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 – “No one should face breast cancer alone.”
Highlights:
- 99.6 percent of women diagnosed with cancer localised to the breast survive for 5 years or more.
- Emotional, social and spiritual aspects of distress are also important factors.
- Clinical trials have been able to prove that survival after breast conservation surgery followed by radiotherapy is comparable to mastectomy in early-stage breast cancers.
- Oncoplastic techniques can be applied following breast conservation surgeries.
- Hair loss is temporary and natural hair re-growth will resume in about 3 to 6 months of completion of chemotherapy.
- There is a possibility of avoiding chemotherapy in women with favourable hormone-responsive early breast cancer.
- Radiotherapy-related skin discolouration is temporary and localised.
- Regular use of emollients or moisturisers will help restore skin integrity over time.
- Mutual constructive communication strategies among partners help overcome sexual health concerns and interpersonal issues.
- Complementary therapies such as gentle massages and yoga aide during breast cancer treatment.
- No one should face breast cancer alone.
Dr. H. Smruthi, MBBS, DNB.(Radiation Oncology)
Radiation Oncologist
Dept. Of Radiation Oncology
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
Heartfelt Thanks from a Grateful Patient
“IN RECOGNITION & APPRECIATION OF THE SUPPORT & A NEW LEASE OF LIFE MADE POSSIBLE TO ME.”
Hi Friends,
When a patient is diagnosed with CANCER, there starts her/his very very tough journey and sadly towards the END…
- This tough journey was made quite smoother.
- And by virtue of diagnosis, the journey proceeded towards NEW LEASE OF LIFE.
- AND, all were achieved with the treatment care and support from Kauvery Hospitals, Alwarpet.
To put it short, on 7th Feb 2023, everything changed in my life, putting me and my whole family in an imbalance, soon my biopsy test came out positive for breast cancer. By god’s grace and with shrewd awareness, we immediately jumped on for treatment from the very next day of diagnosis.
Got the cancer removed on 11th Feb and took up all advised treatments one after the other until September 23 under Dr. AN Vaidhyswaran and Dr. Suresh Kumar.
My association with Dr. AN Vaidhywaran (a wonderful person beyond his profession too) is for more than 2.5 decades. The treatment support and the confidence Dr. ANV along with other doctors were very valuableand helped me complete this journey successfully and have given me a new lease on LIFE.
Our family’s Heartiest thanks to Dr. AN Vaidhyswaran and his Team and our special thanks to Dr. Suresh Kumar and his team and not to miss our sincere thanks to the core & care Day Care Team and Radiation support team.
Thank you Kauvery for giving me more miles in Life and Please accept our Smiles for you
and your team.
Sujatha Ram
