Is a psychiatric approach necessary for a patient with breast cancer?

Is a Psychiatric Approach Necessary for a Patient with Breast Cancer?

Unlike other organ cancers, the difficulties faced by breast cancer patients are not limited to the problems caused by the cancer diagnosis. The surgical removal of the breast (mastectomy) can cause severe psychological effects in many women. Following breast loss, women frequently experience a range of psychosocial problems such as depression, excessive anxiety, adjustment disorders, concerns about recurrence, loss of sexual desire, distorted body image, fear of losing femininity, difficulty finding suitable clothing, and the difficulties caused by externally applied breast implants in the form of bras. The transition from the concept of a healthy person leading a healthy life to the concept of a “sick person” brings with it an extremely difficult and painful process. Suddenly realizing that life is so close to a breaking point, coping with multifaceted problems, and trying to “make life worth living” often makes women more emotional and vulnerable. However, in the society we live in, the suggestion of seeking psychiatric support that would enable women to discover what they want, how they want it, to get to know themselves, and to perceive their environment in a healthier way, is often rejected by both their relatives and the patient herself.