Providing EMOTIONAL SUPPORT to women with BREAST CANCER

"This monograph was written in the hope of bringing more clarity to the experiences of patients, to show aspects of their lives after diagnosis. It gives guidance on how to make their lives easier in the future.”

This is a fresh look at an extremely important and topical topic - the author examines the hidden side of disease treatment, which is often left in the background in the medical model of care. Here the emphasis is on the emotional experiences accompanying the knowledge and acceptance of the disease, not only by the patient, but also by the children and the partner.

The monograph is written and designed to help physicians, social workers, health care professionals, psychologists, and anyone affected in any way by the most prevalent malignancy among women.

 

CONTENTS:

Review by Assoc. Dr. R. Gornev

Review by Prof. Diana Dimitrova

Preface

Chapter I. Theoretical overview and analysis of psychological factors changing as a result of the diagnosis breast cancer

1. Spread of breast cancer
2. Risk factors leading to breast cancer

2.1. General factors

2.2. Genes and breast cancer

2.3. Risk factors reviewed by Ricke Gerd Hamer

3. Prevention
4. Impact of the disease on the quality of life

Chapter II. Stages in the acceptance of the disease

1. Health screening in patients with breast cancer. Subsequent emotional reactions

1.1. Screening, self-examination and genetic testing

2. Adjusting to life with breast cancer
3. Individual characteristics when experiencing the disease

3.1. Patterns of grief and crisis/ loss and grief

3.2. Depression, anxiety and psychological stress and coping

Chapter III. Providing emotional support to women with breast cancer

1. Providing help and support to cope. Issues facing breast cancer patients

1.1. Coping with change in appearance

1.2. Coping with a life of uncertainty

1.3. Stress management

1.3.1. Psychological help and support for the family of breast cancer patients - spouses and their children

1.4. New social functioning

2. Approaches to mutual aid for breast cancer patients

2.1. Mutual aid groups and how they work

2.2. Other methods – yoga, meditation

2.3. Support program for women with breast cancer and their families - Avon and the One of 8 Foundation

2.4. Cognitive behavioral therapy

2.5. Maintaining sexual desire

2.6. Music therapy

Chapter IV. Burnout syndrome in professionals working with breast cancer patients