Psychological reactions to breast cancer in the pre- and post-surgical treatment period.
Breast cancer has been widely studied with respect to its psychological impact because it is a disease which threatens an organ that is intimately associated with self-image, self-esteem, sexuality, femininity, and reproductive and nurturing capacity. Breast cancer is a significant stress for any woman; however, women vary widely in their response to diagnosis and treatment. In this manuscript we review the following issues: social, psychological, and medical variables that contribute to the psychological response, and the usual responses of women in the pre- and postsurgical treatment period.
Massie
M J
MJ
Psychiatry Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021.
Holland
J C
JC
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care