Breast Cancer and the Impact on Mental Health
As October was the month of “pink” in support of Breast Cancer Awareness, we endeavour to remember those that have faced this illness, celebrate the strength of all survivors and their families and focus on raising awareness around this condition.
According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer in 2020, with more than 2.26 million new cases, representing 11.7% of all cancer cases and 685 000 deaths due to this disease.
For this reason, it is important to ensure continued awareness and education of the general population on the risks and signs of breast cancer, facilitating early detection. Early detection of cancer (Stage1) increases the 5-year survival rate from about 24% to roughly 90%. Regular screening is essential for early detection and management. It is important to know what screening options are available, especially if there is a family history of cancer. Always consult your medical professional for further medical advice but some options include:
- Breast Self-Examination: Check your breasts regularly. Look out for signs like lumps or changes in the breast’s shape and skin for the early warning signs. Refer to CANSA’s website for more information on the “how to”.
- Mammograms: Woman can be screened at public hospital breast clinics if they have a referral letter from a medical professional. Alternatively, one can contact the Radiological Society of SA (RSSA) to arrange for a mammogram.
- Clinical Breast Examinations: This is a check to detect any signs of breast cancer early. Affordable clinical breast examinations are offered at CANSA Care Centres to detect any irregularities (cost can be claimed back from your medical aid). Government health clinics also offer free clinical breast examinations.
A breast cancer diagnosis can make you feel anxious and scared and may make you remember past trauma. Studies has shown that up to 39% of patients experience clinical symptoms of distress after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Taking care of one’s mental health can help you cope with the treatment regime and improve quality of life during and after a diagnosis, especially since the feeling of helplessness and uncertainty might be overwhelming. Treatments for breast cancer may also contribute to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood swings in some people. Referral to a psychologist is advisable.
The diagnosis of breast cancer in woman usually occurs at a stage when they are in the middle of career development or raising a young family and are unprepared or unable to cope with the risk of life-long recurrence or death. The impact on individuals and society is substantial, affecting not only the physical health of those diagnosed, but also their own and their family’s mental health and wellbeing.
Spouses of cancer patients are also at high risk for mental health issues. This is caused by the emotional, physical and financial burdens that accompany a cancer diagnosis. They may have to take on a multitude of additional duties which adds to the anxiety felt over the health of their loved one. Up to 30% of spouses seek treatment for mental-health issues in the first year of diagnosis, especially for depression and stress-related disorders.
CANSA offers information, day-to-day help as well as emotional support to cancer survivors and their loved ones at CANSA Care Centres through their Care and Support programme that also offers Tele Counselling, Individual Counselling and much more.
To add to the emotional distress, the rising cost of cancer care is increasing every year and depending on the type of cancer, treatment locally can cost between R10 000 and R1 million per patient, per annum. The financial burden of treatment costs and potential loss of income can cause additional stress on the individual and their families. Not only does a cancer diagnosis come with emotional, physical, and psychological consequences, but with financial ones too. The reality is that, in the face of this disease, you could take control of your financial future by having the right insurance cover in place.
The objective of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Global Breast Cancer Initiative is to reduce global breast cancer mortality by 2.5% per year over the next 20 years. The three pillars toward achieving these objectives include health promotion for early detection; timely diagnosis; and comprehensive breast cancer management.
Research shows that people leading healthier lifestyles have a better chance of surviving cancer and in some studies their survival rate improved by 42% if they maintained a healthy body weight, engaged in regular physical activity and adopted other healthy lifestyle behaviours.
Having sufficient insurance cover can provide peace of mind in the time of a diagnosis. Sanlam Corporate: Group Risk have a range of products available to assist employers in helping their employees during these emotional and financial stressful times. Our Impact Range offering provides cancer and cardiovascular benefits which cover a wide range of claim events.
For more information on our Severe Illness products, please visit the links below.
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