In a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, researchers said that breast cancer treatment can cause psychological problems and distress for approximately one third of patients. The study also found that younger women were more likely to experience depression after breast cancer treatment than older women, possibly because they have weaker social support networks. The study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive cancer treatment services as well as emotional support from family members and friends.

In the study, Dr. Erica S. Breslau and her colleagues of Johns Hopkins University surveyed 266 women who had underwent breast cancer surgery. The survey included questions about the women’s psychological health and characteristics of their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The researchers found that approximately one third of the patients had experienced psychological problems after treatment, with problems becoming most severe 120 days after surgery.

Specifically, 26% of the patients said that they experienced obsessive-compulsive thoughts after breast cancer treatment, and 18% reported having psychotic thoughts. Approximately 23% of the women also reported experiencing anxiety after treatment.

Age also seemed to play a factor in the study. Women older than age 50 were less likely to experience depression after breast cancer treatment than younger women. However, women with advanced stages of breast cancer were more likely to experience depression than patients with early-stage breast cancer who had better prognoses.

According to Dr. Breslau and her colleagues, the study reveals that hospitals and physicians need to treat "the whole cancer patient." In other words, counseling, support groups, and other services should be offered to breast cancer patients to help them deal with the emotional aspects of their diagnosis and treatment.

Previous studies have shown that the positive expression of emotions can help breast cancer patients deal with their diagnosis and treatment and improve their health. In a study published in the October 2000 issue of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, researchers found that opening up to a spouse, family, or close friends or engaging in activities such as journal writing or artistic expression can have a significant effect on how women cope with breast cancer. In addition, a possible display of emotions can decrease the number of doctor visits and can help breast cancer patients achieve improved overall health.

Ways to express emotions include:

• Talking with family members or friends
• Talking with a clergyman or clergywoman or therapist
• Joining a cancer support group
• Keeping a journal
• Artistic expression, such as drawing or painting

While expressing emotions is healthy, researchers have found that women who try to "over-analyze" their emotions can become increasingly distressed after breast cancer treatment. For instance, women who go over and over their emotions without resolving them tend to have higher stress levels than women who positively express their emotions.

The National Cancer Institute offers several tips for cancer patients to help deal with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer:

• Focus on what you can and want to do.
• Focus on the positive aspects of your life.

Additional Resources and References

• The study by Dr. Erica S. Breslau and her colleagues of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland was presented on October 22, 2001 at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association, http://www.apha.org/
• The October 23, 2001 Reuters Health report, "Breast Cancer Surgery Causes Mental Distress," is available within 30 days of publication at http://www.reutershealth.com/
• The November 19, 2000 Imaginis report, "Expressing Emotions Helps Breast Cancer Patients Deal with Diagnosis, Improve Physical Health," is available at http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news11.19.00.asp
• For additional resources on breast cancer, including toll-free helplines and websites, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/menu-resources.asp

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