Older women, breast cancer, and social support

Abstract

IntroductionOne in ten women over the age of 65 will develop breast cancer. Despite this high incidence of breast cancer among older women, social support for them is often inadequate. This paper describes a qualitative study of the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on older women from racially/ethnically diverse populations and their subsequent need for social support.MethodsForty-seven older African American, Asian American, Caucasian and Latina women between the ages of 65 to 83 participated in a larger study examining the impact of breast cancer on women from racially/ethnically diverse populations and the meaning and nature of social support. The women completed an in-depth qualitative interview on the psychosocial impact of breast cancer and the meaning and nature of social support.Results and ConclusionThe results indicate that there are variations in reactions to a breast cancer diagnosis among older women, and that these reactions impact their experiences with seeking social support at diagnosis and during treatment. Respondents were concerned about their aging bodies, potential dependency on others, and loss of autonomy. At the same time, the severity of cancer treatment and existing co-morbidities often meant they needed to learn to receive support, and to reach out if they had no support. The implications of these findings underscore the older cancer patient’s need to strengthen her supportive networks at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and post-treatment.

Social Support and Hopelessness in Patients with Breast Cancer

“…As to social support, it can be viewed as an important factor in coping with chronic, life-threatening illnesses like cancer which have negative effects on patients' general well-being (Kelleci, 2005;Yoo et al, 2010).…”

“…The uncertainty and fear experienced in the process often cause an increase in the need for social support (Rustøen and Begnum, 2000;Landmark et al, 2002;Çam and Gümüş, 2006). It is reported that the social support provided by the family affects the adaptation process and longevity positively (Tan et al, 2005;Fadıloğlı et al, 2006;Yoo et al, 2010). Some studies indicate that patients and their relatives drift apart in the cancer process.…”

“…The related literature reports hopelessness as a negative factor that causes patients to perceive cancer as a negative and deadly disease. As to social support, it is an important source that has positive effects on increasing longevity and emotional well-being as well as decreasing hopelessness in lifelong diseases such as breast cancer (Fadıloğlı et al, 2006;Yoo et al, 2010).…”

“…In addition, the related literature indicates that women at advanced age fear to experience cancer recurrence and functional loss, but these fears are relatively less threatening for younger women. Therefore, it is reported that factors such as functional independence loss, deaths of peers, and illnesses with aging can cause decrease in social support (Ashing, 2005;Yoo et al, 2010).…”

Lapatinib and trastuzumab in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for the first-line treatment of metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer which over-expresses human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2): a systematic review and economic analysis

“…Adequate rehabilitation is vital as women may be less productive after treatment for the disease. 24 The psychological impact on the patient can be debilitating, including depression and fear of loss of autonomy, 25 sexuality and body image. 26 …”