During the month of October, many of us here in Anguilla will be involved in activities geared to increasing awareness of breast cancer. Despite the many advances made in the treatment of breast cancer, hearing the news that you have breast cancer can be very challenging. A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming – and it can be very difficult to cope with the diagnosis and subsequent management both emotionally and physically.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It is one of the leading cancers in women in Anguilla. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is far more common in women. In the last 25 years much has done to bring greater awareness of the condition – and improved screening and diagnosis have occurred. Breast cancer treatment is now available locally, regionally. In many countries, including Anguilla, breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths has been declining, which is largely due to a number of factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease. Despite this, many deaths still occur due to breast cancer. All of us in Anguilla know of a mother, sister, aunt, cousin or friend who is affected by breast cancer, therefore we must continue our efforts to prevent this cancer.
Who do you tell about your diagnosis?
Very often many doctors would encourage you to bring along a relative or friend when getting the news that you have breast cancer. This is only done if you agree. It is up to you to decide who you wish to tell that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This can be a difficult decision. Do you tell your children? Do you tell your friends? These can be difficult questions to answer all at once, and sometimes you might need some time and assistance before answering these questions. Do not be afraid to ask your healthcare provider for help. He or she might be able to refer you to someone who can help you.
Get as much information about the condition
There are many sources of information about breast cancer. This can be from your healthcare provider, books, the internet, relatives, cancer survivors and even this newspaper. It is very important to get the right information about your type of cancer and how it is best treated.
Knowing more about your cancer and your options may help you feel more confident when making treatment decisions. Still, some women may not want to know the details of their cancer. If this is how you feel, let your doctor know that, too.
How breast cancer can affect you physically
Breast cancer and its treatment may cause physical changes in your body. These changes can be very difficult to cope with and may affect the way you feel about yourself. Most women will have surgery, which can affect the shape of one or both breasts and cause scarring. Such body changes can affect your self-esteem and the way you relate to other people, especially close family and friends.
Some hormone therapy treatments can cause aching in the joints or bones. If you have this, let your doctor or nurse know so that they can prescribe painkillers for you.
Another problem you may have to cope with is feeling very tired and lethargic (fatigued) some of the time. This may especially be a problem for a while after treatment or if the breast cancer is advanced.
Research has shown that moderate exercise can help women with breast cancer to feel better and have a better quality of life during treatment. Research has also found that exercise after treatment has healthy effects on the body and helped to reduce tiredness (fatigue) and depression for some women. Some research reviews also seem to show that increasing the level of activity can help to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. If you are interested in exercising it is important to speak to your cancer specialist or your doctor.
If you are having a sexual relationship, one or all of these changes may affect your sex life. You should discuss these changes with your healthcare provider.
Coping practically with breast cancer
As well as coping with the fear and anxiety that a diagnosis of breast cancer brings, you may also have to work out how to manage practically. There may be money matters to sort out or other business transactions.
Your doctor or healthcare provider will know who you can contact to get some help. They can put you in touch with professionals who are specially trained in supporting people with cancer. These people are there to help and want you to feel that you have support. So use them if you feel you need to.
Talking about your condition
Who you talk to is your decision, but research has shown that talking to others can be helpful.
Talk with other breast cancer survivors – You may find it helpful and encouraging to talk to others in your same situation. Contact the Anguilla Cancer Society for further information.
Find someone to talk about your feelings with – Find a friend or family member who is a good listener, or talk with a clergy member or counselor. Ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor or other professional who works with cancer survivors.
Stay in touch with family members – Although you might feel isolated at times it is important to keep close to your family members and friends. Your friends and family can provide a crucial support network for you during your cancer treatment.
As you begin telling people about your breast cancer diagnosis, you will likely get many offers for help. Think ahead about things you may want assistance with.
Maintain intimacy with your partner. In most communities, women’s breasts are associated with attractiveness, femininity and sexuality. Cancer of the breast might affect you in many ways. Breast cancer may affect self-image of the woman and erode her confidence in intimate relationships. Talk to your partner about your insecurities and your feelings. If you need professional help talk to your doctor or counsellor.
Conclusion
Hearing the news that you have breast cancer might jolt your life and make it very difficult to cope with the diagnosis and following management. Emotional and physical changes do occur. Living a productive life after being diagnosed with breast cancer can be challenging, but you can overcome the many challenges that confront you. Many breast cancer survivors in Anguilla can attest to this. Your doctor or healthcare provider as well as many others are there to help you during this difficult period. If you need help let them know.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
