Breast Cancer: The Psychological Impact of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Remission

Breast cancer affects millions of people worldwide. With physical manifestations being the predominant feature of management, healthcare professionals can overlook the psychological toll that the disease can have on the patients and their support network. This literature review examines the vast multi-factorial approach that must be taken when managing breast cancer patients from initial screening to diagnostic investigations, treatment, and remission. A literature search in PubMed from January 2000 to April 2024 was executed. Data sets in the studies filtered during the literature search were collected and analysed, looking not only at the data itself but also the entirety of the study. This included its limitations and possible biases. From screening, the possibility of cancer as a diagnosis can trigger mixed emotions including fear, depression, and anxiety. During diagnostic, patients may find themselves subject to fear of negative body image evaluation and fear of judgment. Medical professionals must be prepared to support the patient when they experience these feelings. The treatment stages can be the most difficult for the patient as side effects and complications of treatment can impact their lives in numerous ways, making management challenging. These include pain, sexual dysfunction, and alopecia. Overall, the analysis of the selected literature showed areas in clinical practice that can be optimised when providing psychological support for a patient's cancer diagnosis, management, and treatment. Being able to counsel prior to the presentation of these, and ideally prevent unnecessary cases of these can substantially increase a patient's quality of life during treatment. This literature review hopes to identify and promote awareness and further implementation of support systems by healthcare professionals.