Breast cancer can pack an emotional punchalong with its physical blow. Women with thedisease commonly experience many stressesand upheavals in their lives as a result of theirdiagnosis. Staying mentally healthy can helpwomen step up to the challenge of breastcancer.
Keeping a positive attitude is a key part ofmanaging stress that accompanies breast cancer.Boost your confidence by learning aboutthe disease and the success doctors have intreating it.
Developing and using a support networkis another way to protect against too muchstress. It’s important to talk with your partner,close friends, and health professionals aboutyour concerns. Support groups or online bulletinboards for women with breast cancer canhelp, too.
Here are other steps to take:
- Accept events out of your control.
- Be assertive.
- Try writing about feelings.
- Use breathing exercises, meditation, andother relaxation techniques.
- Exercise regularly to improve health, mood,and self-esteem.
- Eat well-balanced meals.
- Get enough rest.
Too much stress also may lead to depression—another significant problem for womenwith breast cancer, according to a new studyin the journal Cancer. If you experiencedepression, talk with your doctor.