Impact of mental health on breast cancer

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with breast cancer being the most common among women in the country.

The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) said there is help and support available.

Gretchen Minnaar, Cansa’s services manager for psychosocial support, explained that being diagnosed with cancer is not just about the body but the mind as well.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis is tough. It affects you and your family’s mental health. Although breast cancer doesn’t directly cause depression, it can affect your emotions as you deal with diagnosis and treatments.

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“Some might experience post-traumatic stress disorder, with up to 32% of breast cancer patients showing signs of it,” she shared.

According to Minnaar, chemotherapy may bring sudden personality changes, often called ‘chemo rage’, linked to steroids used in treatment or chemo brain resulting in diminished capacity to concentrate and remember things.

She said the loss of a breast or complications from surgery, for example, lymphoedema, can be debilitating and affect one’s self-image.

“If your worry becomes too much or you are experiencing mood swings, it’s important to seek emotional support. We offer free psychosocial support,” she added.

She said prioritising mental well-being can make the breast cancer journey more manageable.

“Cansa understands this and offers counselling services and support groups to support cancer survivors and caregivers emotionally.

“There are waiting periods to get appointments with a psychologist in the public system, so Cansa has qualified social workers who can assist with counselling through its Tele Counselling line.”

She said to date, 78% of women benefit from this free service to help them cope which is available in in seven languages (English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, siSwati, Sesotho and Setswana).

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“We operate six online (WhatsApp) support groups nationally, which also include support for metastatic breast cancer patients. Patients may benefit from both individual and group therapy sessions.

“For group sessions to be effective, studies show that women should be with other women at a similar or same stage in treatment,” stated Minnaar.

This allows women the opportunity to receive and give emotional support and learn from other experiences.

“Regardless of individual or group psychological interventions, all are aimed at helping women adjust to their diagnosis, cope with their treatment, and come to terms with the impact cancer has had on their lives.”

She also suggested taking care of one’s mental health with these simple steps:

• Spending time outdoors or listening to nature sounds online.

• Writing down feelings or journaling.

• Trying different methods of meditation and discussing appropriate physical movement with your medical team to find what works and don’t hesitate to ask the care team for referrals to mental health experts.

Navigating the healthcare system
Dealing with cancer means dealing with a lot of paperwork and processes, especially if a person is relying on public healthcare.
But even if someone has health insurance or medical aid, there are still important systems to understand.

Patients should get to know and understand oncology benefits from a service provider (even if it’s a basic hospital plan) and their rights as a patient.

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According to Minnaar screening is essential, especially for women.

“It helps catch cancer early when it’s easier to treat. We know that early detection is key to enabling effective treatment and a better chance of recovering from cancer.

“It’s also important to know what screening options are available to you, especially if you have a family history of cancer.”

• Clinical breast examinations:

Cansa offers affordable clinical breast examinations at Cansa care centres. Patients with medical aid benefits can claim their medical aid once they have paid for the screening. Government health clinics also offer free clinical breast examinations.

• Mammograms (they are like super-detailed breast pictures):

Women can be screened at public hospital breast clinics if they have a referral letter from a medical professional or Cansa nurse.

Alternatively, contact the Radiological Society of SA (RSSA) at www.rssa.co.za to arrange for a mammogram.
• Breast self-examination:

Cansa’s website has information on how to do it. Look out for signs like lumps or changes in the breast’s shape and get to know the warning signs.

Cansa hosts events in October to raise funds to support its Women’s Health educational campaign and help keep screening affordable.

ALSO READ: Breast cancer accounts for a quarter of yearly new cancers in SA women

Purchase a ‘Doek with a Difference’ or a pair of earrings or wrap a tree as part of the Pink Trees for Pauline campaign – available at local Cansa care centres.

Host or attend a Cuppa for Cansa event or Cansa High Teas. Contact info@cansa.org.za or donate via CANSA’s secure, online platforms.

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/metastatic-breast-cancer/ask-the-expert-metastatic-mental-health