The First Encounter with the Diagnosis; A Period of Crisis

The First Encounter with Diagnosis: A Period of Crisis
Prof. Dr. Aytül ÇORAPÇIOĞLU ÖZDEMİR

At some point in life, we can all face a crisis. Cancer, known as a deadly disease, confronts the individual with many existential problems following such a period of crisis.

Although significant advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in recent years, the fact that treatment is long and expensive, can lead to organ loss, can spread the disease, and can sometimes result in death, brings with it serious psychosocial problems for the patient and their close circle. The psychological impact on a cancer patient depends on many variables such as the patient’s self-esteem, personality structure, the value they place on the cancerous organ, family structure, profession and financial situation, and the presence or absence of supportive activities.

Today, significant changes have also occurred in the treatment of breast cancer, and as a result of early detection of the disease and advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy methods, surgeries aimed at preserving breast skin and breast tissue have become more prominent. In addition to treating breast cancer, physicians have begun to strive to preserve and even improve patients’ quality of life.