Clinical Psychologist Fulda Karaçiçek said that breast cancer can bring psychological problems as well as physical effects in some patients.
Clinical Psychologist Fulda Karaçiçek from Medline Adana Hospital, who emphasized the importance of psychological support to be given to the patient in breast cancer treatment as in all types of cancer, said that such approaches are an important factor that increases the success of treatment and explained what needs to be done.
“The patient should not be insistent”
“This is the first time in the life of every patient who will start treatment, and it is a special and unique experience for her. It is important for a woman diagnosed with breast cancer to share this situation with her environment when she feels ready, if not, it is important not to share it,” said Psychologist Karaçiçek and stated that the patient's decision should be respected and should not be insistent.
“Body and soul should be treated simultaneously”
“The breast has symbolized fertility and abundance throughout history. While this is the case, emotions such as shock, denial, fear and sadness experienced by a woman who learns that she has breast cancer can cause psychological problems for the patient and even her relatives.” Psychologist Karaçiçek underlined that the soul should be treated as much as the body in the fight against cancer and suggested getting professional support if necessary.
“Depression can occur”
Breast cancer treatment is usually surgical and medical, and this brings with it a challenging period both physically and emotionally. Psychologist Karaçiçek said, “During the process, women may face emotional and psychological difficulties. They may experience body image concerns, depression and anxiety. At this point, psychological support to patients will help them cope with such situations.”
“It may affect medical treatment”
Psychologist Karaçiçek explained that unhappiness, reluctance, inability to enjoy life, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite, changes in body perception of female identity and sexual functions, panic attacks, tantrums and even death anxiety are the main problems faced by women who experience psychological problems after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and noted that not providing the necessary support to the patient in this process may also negatively affect the medical treatment applied.
“Their power to cope with the disease increases”
Noting that according to the results of many studies, the success of psychological support studies for cancer patients supports medical treatment, Psychologist Karaçiçek said, “These studies will help patients and their relatives to adapt more easily to the difficult process they are in. Thus, the quality of life of patients who are socially active again will also increase, and their determination to overcome the disease will continue to increase thanks to the moral strength they have gained.”
“Group therapies can be useful”
Stating that coming together with people who have similar experiences with the help of support groups established for breast cancer can also make patients feel that they are not alone and increase their motivation, Psychologist Karaçiçek said that if necessary, help can be obtained from non-profit associations established for the disease in question.
