The Shock of a Breast or Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis: Understanding the Emotional Impact

The shock of receiving a diagnosis. The uncertainty of treatment, results or mortality. The feeling of everything being out of our control.

But first…

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a kind of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the breast tissue.

Breast cancer in Singapore: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer among women in Singapore. It is estimated that 1 in 13 women in Singapore may develop breast cancer over her lifetime. Breast cancer usually occurs in older women above 50 but can also affect men and younger women.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a kind of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in ovaries or fallopian tubes grow and multiply out of control.

Ovarian cancer in Singapore: Ovarian cancer is the 5th (and rising) most common cancer amongst Singaporean women. It can be fatal when it is detected in the advanced stages of development and spread.

The Cancer Journey

Here are the moments that women may struggle the most in the cancer journey:

1 - Before Diagnosis
- Noticing a concerning symptom
- Anxiously waiting for test results
2 - Initial Diagnosis
- Receiving the news of the diagnosis for the first time
3 - Anticipating treatment
- Waiting to learn about the recommended treatment plan
4 - Leaving the hospital
5 - Completion or adjustment of treatment
- Fear of finishing a treatment course or
- Adapting to a change in the plan
6 - Awaiting follow-up results
- Waiting for the outcomes of follow-up tests
- Persistent guilt (about family, children, responsibilities)
- Fear of recurrence
- Diminished self-esteem
- Problems with social acceptance and body image
- Difficulty in re-entry into previous life
- Perceived and actual loss of employment and insurance discrimination
- Concerns about infertility
- Increased hopelessness or loss of faith in recovery, treatment

As treatment goes on, distress heightens and prolongs with all the physical and social difficulties, and little relief. It is then no surprise that these can culminate into mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD.

Coping with Breast or Ovarian Cancer: Navigating the Emotional Challenges

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is never easy. The shock and distress can be overwhelming, and we might not know how to cope with the impact of such complicated emotions and thoughts.

Yet, how we feel, think and cope with the diagnosis and treatment can greatly affect our physical health, treatment progress, adherence and recovery.

So let’s take time to prioritise ourselves – physically and mentally. Here are ways to cope with breast or ovarian cancer:

Ψ Building a Support System

Find your support pillars. Lean on trusted friends and family, they tend to be the reasons we keep going even in tough times.

Many have also gone through the same journey, and we do not need to fight cancer alone. Consider the links below to find communities of like-minded individuals who may share the same struggles as you:

Ψ Look back within

How are you feeling? What emotions can you pinpoint exists? Was it fear, anxiety, shock, anger, regret, or hopelessness? What about your thoughts about this journey – from diagnosis to treatment?

What do your thoughts tell you about…

Cherished things and people
Personal hopes and dreams

Ψ Mindfulness and Cancer

We know we bring up mindfulness often, but bear with us. When time seems limited and more precious than ever, we often want to capture and “stay” in the moments we cherish the most.

This speaks to a part of us that wants more presence, and connection to what is going on around us. To do so, we need to pause, observe and engage.

Here’s our guide to being more mindful (general tips are at the bottom of the article). Stay present and connected in your journey.

Ψ Self-Compassion in Cancer Care

Your pain and suffering is valid. Your feelings are valid. The journey is not easy, and there is little that we can do to fight the facts of our reality.

Yet, how do we respond to our pain and emotions? What helps? Rather than wanting to lash out at the world?

Soothing. Like a mother soothing a child in pain, aim to soothe the pain and emotions within you. Always remember to show kindness to yourself in the face of adversities.

- Cry it out
- Calming music or smells
- Visualise a place that is calming to you
  - Sunsets, starry night sky, pet café, comforts of a bed or bath
  - Focus on 5 senses
- Repeat personal mantras
  - I can do this, I got this, this is hard, but this will pass

People differ in how they cope with difficult emotions and painful situations. There is no “best” method here, so find ways that you are comfortable with and personalise your recovery journey in your own way.