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

Overview

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.