October is breast cancer awareness month, a month when people wear pink ribbons, public places adorn their fixtures with pink decorations and even NFL players add a splash of pink to their uniforms. It serves as a yearly reminder to women to make their annual appointments and encourage their sisters and friends to restart their self-exams. However, a crucial aspect of breast cancer that is often forgotten during this month is the emotional reaction and the management of stress with regards to diagnosis and treatment.
Hearing the words, “you have cancer” are life-shattering to say the least. And with them come a deluge of emotions ranging from surprise, shock and anger to frustration, guilt and fear. Women (and men) being treated for breast cancer also feel an urge to be strong and brave for the weeks and months of treatment and recovery that lie ahead. In the chaos of trying not to let the disease take over your life and accepting the reality that your body will never be the same, expression of the intense emotions seems less important. Sometimes it can seem that emotions get in the way.
Interestingly, research in psychology regarding breast cancer patients has shown repeatedly that emotional suppression (that is, hiding one’s emotions) negatively impacts treatment and recovery. A study published in New Zealand in 2010 found that suppressing or avoiding feelings such as anger, sadness, and anxiety during chemotherapy treatment resulted in an increase in chemo-related symptoms. Specifically, breast cancer patients reported higher incidences of mouth sores, fever and heart palpitations. Patients also reported higher levels of body pain and more changes to their skin. Suppressing emotions has a strong influence on immunity, cardiac health and pain management, all three of which are necessary for a speedy recovery.
While it is important to have a positive frame of mind during the challenges of treatment, emotion expression is equally crucial to ensuring a smoother recovery process. If you are living with, or know someone living with breast cancer, take a moment and encourage them to share how they are truly feeling. Listen intently and without judgment. You will play a significant role in their recovery by doing so.
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