19/10/2021
🟣BREAST CANCER AWARENESS 🟣
Diagnosis of this cancer can be devastating and can trigger several adverse reactions for the majority of women. Many women can develop symptoms of psychological distress such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, difficulty concentrating, social isolation, security concerns, and self-blame.
The loss of the symbols of femininity can result in low self-esteem, negative body image, false self-perception, social isolation and the development of communication or relationship problems with family members or friends. Some women may even develop "cancer stigma" from losing their feminine physical characteristics through hair loss (secondary to chemotherapy) or the loss of one or both breasts (following mastectomy).
The psychosocial stress and the physical burden of the disease may further reduce the patients’ opportunities in life and increase social rejection and isolation. Thus, their level of emotional well-being is decreased along with poor health outcomes.
Due to an increase in the awareness for breast cancer, many women have started adopting several strategies to cope with the diagnosis and redefine themselves and their lives accordingly. They usually turn towards positive cognitive restructuring, wishful thinking, yoga, physical exercise, and religious practice. Acknowledging the psychosocial impact of breast cancer diagnosis can also help to pave the way in providing psychosocial support in order to boost their self-esteem.
Post credit Ms .anoushka28 ( Council Member)
