Dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis can be an
emotional situation for families. According to the article “Breast Cancer in
Women (2015),” there are several reactions possible, all of which are actual
testimonies from breast cancer survivors and their family members.
For example, one situation explained by the article represented children telling their parents about their own diagnosis. It was reported that “some […] explained that telling their elderly parents was more difficult than telling other family members, and that they did not want to worry them” (Breast Cancer in Women, 2015). The article continues by stating that the elderly parents had concern about their child suffering, while they were healthy themselves. Another example mentioned related to the family’s reaction being too overwhelming, leading the woman to hesitate associating with her family at the time (Breast Cancer in Women, 2015). As seen, each of the examples show some type of anxiety when informing family members about their diagnosis. However, it is noted that “while family members were often shocked and upset by the news […], they were also supportive and helpful following the initial shock. Practical support was often as important as emotional” (Breast Cancer in Women, 2015).
For example, one situation explained by the article represented children telling their parents about their own diagnosis. It was reported that “some […] explained that telling their elderly parents was more difficult than telling other family members, and that they did not want to worry them” (Breast Cancer in Women, 2015). The article continues by stating that the elderly parents had concern about their child suffering, while they were healthy themselves. Another example mentioned related to the family’s reaction being too overwhelming, leading the woman to hesitate associating with her family at the time (Breast Cancer in Women, 2015). As seen, each of the examples show some type of anxiety when informing family members about their diagnosis. However, it is noted that “while family members were often shocked and upset by the news […], they were also supportive and helpful following the initial shock. Practical support was often as important as emotional” (Breast Cancer in Women, 2015).
From the article, it can be argued that reactions to a breast
cancer diagnosis can vary amongst families. However, the ultimate goal would be
to GAIN SUPPORT from family
members. The “Breast Cancer in Women” article states that emotional support is
highly valuable, as well as practical support. This can be achieved in several
different ways. For example, according to “Breast Cancer in Women (2015),” some
felt that their illness brought the family closer, and one woman believed her
children became more compassionate and understanding of others. Another example
outlined related to women with adult children, who they believe are greatly
supportive, and even attempted to help the situation by seeking more
information regarding the illness to assist or attending appointments (Breast
Cancer in Women, 2015). Other personal examples that could be considered are
taking responsibility within the household, such as, cooking and cleaning while
the caregiver is being treated, or caring for younger children while the
patient is in the hospital. All of these are recommendations for family members
of the patient, but ultimately, they all relate to being supportive and
assisting as needed.
Works Cited
Breast Cancer in Women. (2015). Retrieved July 21, 2015, from http://www.healthtalk.org/peoples-experiences/cancer/breast-cancer-women/how-it-affects-families
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