An Overview of Breast Cancer:

Cancer can start any place in the body. It is caused by cell mutations which disrupt a cells genetic program and
permanently change segments of DNA. The place where the cell mutations start determines the name of the
cancer or carcinoma, thus breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast. In this case, these mutated cells in the
breast grow out of control and crowd out normal cells. The cancer can spread from the breast to other parts of
the body, but it is still considered breast cancer because its origins are in the breast area. (American Cancer
Society, 2016) In breast cancer specifically, only 5-10 percent of women affected have a familial disposition to
it through breast cancer susceptibility genes or defective tumor-suppressor genes. For the remaining 90-95% of
women affected, other genes and lifestyle factors are often at play. Factors such as alcohol consumption, being
overweight, physical inactivity, never having had children, use of oral contraceptives, and hormone therapy to
treat menopausal symptoms heighten a womans risk of getting breast cancer. (Berk, 2014, p. 40, 407-408)
A cancer diagnosis can affect the life of the person who receives it in more ways than one. This diagnosis can
also affect friends and family too. Some areas where you might expect to experience changes in include, but are
not limited to:
Roles and Responsibilities- You may find that there is a shift or reversal in roles and responsibilities of
your relationship with the cancer patient. You may need to pick up more tasks that the patient cannot do
anymore. You may also be put in a position of taking care of someone who usually takes care of you.
Remember that this role shift might not be easy for the patient either. Talk openly with your loved one
about what caregiving responsibilities they would like you to help with and set realistic expectations for
yourselves. It is good to organize your caregiving responsibilities and ask for help from other family and
friends to make the tasks seem more manageable.
Emotions- This is a time filled with high emotions for everyone involved. Allowing yourself time to
acknowledge and cope with your feelings about the diagnosis is essential in moving forward. If need be,
see a counselor or join a support group to help you process your emotions.
Finances- Cancer can put financial strain on a family. Treatments for the patient can be costly, and
unexpected expenses on the part of caregivers such as transportation, parking, and food during visits can
add up. It might be a good idea to seek out financial counseling or financial aid. Often, the hospital
where the patient is receiving treatment can provide these services or point you in the right direction.
Intimacy- Cancer and its treatment often affect sexuality and intimacy. Depression, fatigue, nausea,
vaginal dryness, and other physical or emotional problems may lower sex drive or make intercourse
difficult or painful for cancer patients. If you are the spouse or partner of a person with cancer, this may
affect your usual modes of intimacy. Being sensitive yet open with your loved one about each others
needs in this area may help to maintain a healthy relationship. A doctor, therapist, or social worker may
also be able to suggest ways to maintain intimacy.
Future Plans- Cancer often changes a familys goals, hopes, and plans. Things like retirement, weddings,
or traveling may be affected. It helps to reevaluate priorities and work together to establish new, short-
term goalssuch as finishing cancer treatment. Things that seemed important before the cancer
diagnosis may give way to new priorities, such as enjoying more time together. However, expediting
some plans and putting other goals on hold, rather than abandoning them completely, may help your
outlook on the future.
Helpful Tips and Strategies for Supporting and Caring for Your Loved One with Cancer:
Ask permission before making visits or asking sensitive questions.
Treat them the same.
Use open communication.
Have one person be in charge of relaying medical updates to family and friends.
Organize and divide tasks-mycancercircle.lotsahelpinghands.com is a great website to help with this.
Care for the emotional well being of yourself and the patient- in order to care for others you must make
sure you are caring for yourself.
Laugh with your loved one.
Accept the patients limitations.
Include them in fun/normal activities.
Offer to help with specific tasks like watching their kids, preparing meals, or giving rides to doctors
appointments- follow through!
Make plans and be flexible.
Allow for sadness.
Consider These Resources for Yourself and Your Loved One:
Talk to the hospital the patient is receiving care from about support groups they can recommend for your
loved one and yourself. There are also great communities online that are specific to individual needs.
Ask the hospital to recommend a counselor, therapist, or social worker to talk through the many
emotions the you and the patient may be facing.
If your loved one is terminally ill, consider looking into wish granting organizations that give special
experiences to patients. The hospital may be able to give you more information about the best
organizations to contact.
Journaling may be a great way for you or your loved one with cancer to express your thoughts and
emotions and keep track of this journey.