title: A woman's psychological response and adjustment to the breast cancer diagnosis.
abstract: The permanent loss of a breast from cancer brings forth a range of emotional and behavioral reactions. As more and more women opt for immediate breast reconstruction, plastic surgical nurses need to recognize the acute stress reactions these patients are experiencing. Not only should the disease itself be treated, but the individual suffering from the disease. This article provides an overview of women's psychological responses and adjustments to the breast cancer diagnosis that plastic surgical nurses need to consider.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: McCain
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans