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Psychiatric aspects of women with breast cancer

Elisabeth J Shakin Kunkel1, Emmie I Chen

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Jefferson Medical College, 1020 Sansom Street, Thompson Building Suite 1652, Philadelphia, PA 19107-5004, USA. elisabeth.kunkel@jefferson.edu

The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|October 18, 2003
PubMed

Women with breast cancer face not only cancer-related taboos but also issues related to changes in sexuality, femininity, and fertility. Although increased emphasis on the woman's participation in the medical decision-making process has afforded her more treatment options, it also gives her more responsibility in determining her course of treatment through the continuum of cancer care. Patients must deal with a variety of issues related to social reintegration, long-term effects of cancer treatment, employment, disability, sexuality, family, and social networks. Screening for distress related to psychological, spiritual/religious, or social concerns can provide guidance for service delivery to those in need.

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