Breast Cancer: The Different Stages Of The Disease

In this article  , we will share with you the different stages a woman encounters when she is diagnosed with breast cancer. So let’s practice empathy a little, no matter how difficult it is. Imagine that the doctor has just given you this diagnosis. What do you feel? What do you think? How does a woman react to the impact of this disease? What are the different stages she goes through mentally?

Breast cancer  occurs with accelerated and uncontrolled proliferation of glandular epithelial cells. These cells have greatly increased their reproductive capacity. Breast cancer cells can spread through the blood or lymph vessels and reach other parts of the body. This generates metastasis. Whether this process has started or not is very important information to discuss when we make a forecast.

When it comes to epidemiology and risk factors, it should be mentioned that it is more common among Spanish women. However, thanks to developments in modern medicine,  the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased a great deal.

How is breast cancer treated?

On the one hand,  an oncology specialist is responsible for the physical process of treatment of this disease. This includes surgery to remove the tumor, radiotherapy, the use of chemotherapy, and the decision to include hormone therapy. On the other hand, the doctor must consider the patient’s own characteristics, such as  psychological strength, when it comes to planning medical treatment.

A  psychologist  is also incredibly important in every therapeutic process of this treatment. Does the patient know, understand and accept this disease? It is necessary that from the moment they are diagnosed, there is a psychologist there to support them. To help and to promote emotional outreach and proper processing of information. In addition,  a psychologist can be a key figure in increasing attachment to the treatment of the patient. In addition, they can help manage their expectations.

The stages a person goes through after a cancer diagnosis

As Kubler-Ross discusses, there are different stages that a person goes through when cancer is detected. Because of this, it is important that we think about the stage of the cancer in which it was found. The support, help and method used to perform the treatment are different depending on this stage.

First, the patient will feel  denial.  They may refuse to believe that they have cancer. In many cases, the patient will be tested several times to verify the diagnosis. Or they will ask someone else to look at the test in case the diagnosis was wrong.

After that  , the denial disappears and anger comes. Anger and hostility can include blaming others for their situation. They blame doctors, themselves or relatives. Afterwards, the patient enters a stage of depression. Here they feel weak, without the power to fight. Sadness and fear are the main part of their daily mood.

The next stage is the patient’s negotiation phase. At this stage, they often use the phrase “what will happen if…”  Actually, the patient tries to negotiate with himself. It is a defense mechanism to protect oneself from the reality of cancer. She is ready to accept that she is ill.

Finally, the patient reaches the stage of acceptance. They accept their disease and from that moment, the patient will start living with their problem. They can now fight cancer.

How can we help through each phase?

From a therapy standpoint, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer must be followed through each of these stages. Someone should be there to relieve her pain until she reaches acceptance of the disease. From that moment on, we should continue to be by her side throughout the treatment process. It is fundamental that we reduce the uncertainty women can have about cancer. We should provide psycho-learning about the disease itself, and about the therapy and techniques that will be used to improve her physical and mental condition.

Because of this, it is essential to remember that step by step, the various stages will be overcome with help and support. We will go through the process with the one who suffers with positivity and energy. Of course, there will be bad days, but  even with them, there will be positive details to keep moving forward. It can be a smile from a child, a kiss from a young couple, a word from a friend, a walk in the mountains. . .

Each stage has its moment, but, somehow, there is an evolutionary process going on and the person has to accept this disease. She must understand that she has this disease, not that she is ill. From that moment on, knowing and recognizing fear, anxiety and insecurity will help her win the battle. It will also help her show strength, energy and  positivity.

Women with breast cancer, you are brave, beautiful fighters. Have courage on the road in front of you!