What are the psychosocial and educational needs of a breast cancer patient?
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer that women are diagnosed with (Stephens, Osowski, Fidale, & Spagnoli, 2008). Those diagnosed tend to go through stages of fear, disbelief, shock, and sadness. “Nurses can improve the quality of care for women with breast cancer and their families by providing additional support services and post-treatment information during the initial education and follow-up call”(Stephens, Osowski, Fidale, & Spagnoli, 2008). Psychosocial issues can interfere with the patient’s ability to cope with their treatment and may cause anxiety, panic, vulnerability, and even isolation. Nurses need to be aware of patients' educational and psychosocial needs during this time. They may be the only support that a cancer patient has.
Nursing Process
Assessment
There is a lot of evidence supporting the needs of patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The most effective way to support a breast cancer patient is to assess their specific psychosocial needs on an individual basis. All patients will not express the same needs, so it is pertinent that the nurse ask specific questions to identify the patient’s own personal needs. Examples include, "What concerns you most about your new diagnosis?" and "What aspect of breast cancer do you see as most important in dealing with your breast cancer diagnosis, for example, social, physical, emotional, spiritual?" (Stephens, Osowski, Fidale, & Spagnoli, 2008). During this assessment the nurse is building a trusting rapport with the patient and getting a sense of the psychosocial and educational needs. Therefore, the nurse can begin to develop a care plan based on ...
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... concepts to help the patient make an informed decision in regard to surgery and treatment plans. The articles also brought to light the much-needed support that patients require to move through this difficult time in their life.
Works Cited
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Needs and Concerns of Newly Diagnosed Patients With Breast Cancer After Surgery.
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In 2008, more than one million women underwent a diagnostic evaluation for suspected breast cancer. Approximately 182,500 women of the more than one million that received an evaluation also received a positive diagnosis (Montgomery, 2010). Risk factors linked to Breast Cancer include: gender, age, family history, prior breast cancer, previous biopsy, race and ethnicity, breast density, and long menstrual history because of prolonged hormonal stimulation. Modifiable related risk factors also include hormone replacement therapy, alcohol, weight, and physical activity (Giurescu, Hu, Obembe, 2010). The period between the initial discovery of a breast lump until diagnosis is known to cause considerable suffering and distress among patients (Liao, Chen, Chen, Chen, 2009). Patients need to receive care during this period as “unresolved distress may lead to future mental health and adjustment difficulties” (Lally, 2010). Patients with suspected breast cancer who received informational and psychological supportive care during their diagnosis period have an improved psychological status when compared to patients who did not receive supportive care. The care received should be both culturally sensitive and individualized for each patient. In addition, patients care should be coupled with continuous evaluation of psychological and emotional status. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of supportive care on anxiety levels of women during the diagnostic period. Supportive care included evaluation of the participants health care and support nee...
(AC 1.1, 2.1) Jane may be uncertain about the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is the time when the oncology nurse will use her specialist knowledge, will answer all questions that Jane is not sure and even if she does not know the answer she will find out by working with other team members. Based on the nurse’s oncology knowledge and experience her communication skills will make Jane and her family think positively about treatment; not only at the beginning of cancer treatment but also during and at the end however it turns out.
Since the institution of nursing was first established, care has remained the primary component. Being able to provide care to patients on an emotional level is another example of the distinctive power that nurses uphold. Generally, the nurse is the predominant choice of the patient when he/she must determine who best to confer with or share personal thoughts or concerns with, as well as who the patient trusts most with management of their own well-being. This form of day-to-day, intimate patient-nurse relationship is a powerful component of
... of life. Many factors may affect decisions such as age, menopausal status, and stage of cancer. Culture, values, lifestyle, and support systems are other factors that have impact on the woman’s response and outlook when facing this disease process. Ongoing and long-term supportive care is important to meet the patient’s needs. Health care providers are responsible to provide education, support, and advocacy for women experiencing breast disorders (LeMone et al., 2011).
"My HealtheVet." Coping Skills- Breast Cancer. United States Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d. Web. 7 Apr 2014.
Rosen, Leo and Rosen, Gloria. (2011).Learn About Cancer. American Cancer Society. Retrieved November 26, 2015 from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/index
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