Psychological reactions to breast cancer in the pre- and post-surgical treatment period.

Full Abstract

Breast cancer has been widely studied with respect to its psychological impact because it is a disease which threatens an organ that is intimately associated with self-image, self-esteem, sexuality, femininity, and reproductive and nurturing capacity. Breast cancer is a significant stress for any woman; however, women vary widely in their response to diagnosis and treatment. In this manuscript we review the following issues: social, psychological, and medical variables that contribute to the psychological response, and the usual responses of women in the pre- and postsurgical treatment period.

Author information

Author/s: Massie, M J (MJ); Holland, J C (JC);

Affiliation: Psychiatry Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Seminars in surgical oncology (Semin Surg Oncol), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: -1991 Sep-Oct; vol 7 (issue 5) : pp 320-5

Dates: Created 1992/03/05; Completed 1992/03/05; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 1775820, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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