Psychological Effects of Breast Cancer on Seniors: Definition, History, and Further Reading
Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects not only physical health, but also psychological well-being. While research into the psychological effects of breast cancer on adults is plentiful, there is still a dearth of information on the psychological effects of breast cancer on seniors. This article seeks to define the concept of psychological effects of breast cancer on seniors, to provide a brief history of the research in this area, and to provide references for further reading.
Definition
Psychological effects of breast cancer on seniors is a broad term that encompasses the mental, emotional, and social responses to a diagnosis of breast cancer in the elderly. These responses can include depression, anxiety, stress, guilt, fear, and worry. Additionally, seniors may struggle with body image and self-esteem issues, decreased social activity due to physical limitations, and changes in relationships with family and friends.
History
Research on the psychological effects of breast cancer on seniors dates back to the late 1970s, when the first studies were conducted on the psychological impact of breast cancer on adults. Since then, there has been a greater focus on the psychological effects of breast cancer on seniors, as this population is often underrepresented in research. Studies have found that seniors with a breast cancer diagnosis experience a range of psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, stress, fear, and worry. Additionally, research indicates that seniors with a breast cancer diagnosis are more likely to experience body image and self-esteem issues, decreased social activity due to physical limitations, and changes in relationships with family and friends.
References for Further Reading
Ahles, T. A., Saykin, A. J., McDonald, B. C., & Tischler, G. L. (2001). The impact of breast cancer on elderly women. Psycho-Oncology, 10(4), 319-329. doi:10.1002/pon.464
Fried-Buchalter, M., Oz, S., & Vaknin, Y. (2016). Psychological distress among elderly women with breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 25(3), 324-330. doi:10.1002/pon.3927
Miles, S. H., & Trueger, N. S. (2017). The psychological impact of breast cancer on elderly women. Current Oncology Reports, 19(10), 57. doi:10.1007/s11912-017-0601-z
Skinner, R., & Schootman, M. (2015). Depression and anxiety among older breast cancer survivors. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(7), 673-681. doi:10.1016/j.jagp.2015.02.008