Psychosocial Impact of Breast Cancer Diagnosis Among Omani Women

Abstract

Breast cancer diagnosis has several devastating psychosocial impacts on women in Oman. Healthcare professionals working with women with breast cancer should be aware of the different psychosocial impacts of the disease on women's lives. Appropriate measures must be taken by the decision makers whenever needed, including enforcing positive views and support of Oman's society towards women with breast cancer.

Development and Validation of a Culturally-Tailored Breast Cancer Health Education Programme for Arab Women

“…3,4 Nevertheless, breast cancer awareness remains low in Arab societies, mostly due to fear, modesty, lack of health education, limited access to breast health services and common misconceptions. 3,5 In terms of awareness, Omani women show similar characteristics in comparison to those from other Arab countries, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. [6][7][8][9][10] A previous qualitative study has highlighted various factors that influence breast cancer awareness among Omani women and the desire among this population for enhanced breast cancer information systems and programmes.…”

The Need for Psychological Interventional Supportive Services for Omani Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

“…15,16 A study of Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer revealed that they encountered psychological and social distress post-diagnosis which affected their personal and social lives. 5 The women reported being worried about death; feeling that their future was threatened; that their families were shocked by their diagnosis; that the cancer interfered with their work and their familial responsibilities; feeling isolated from society; and reluctance to disclose their diagnosis to other people. 5 Another study found that Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer used numerous strategies to cope with their symptoms, including denial, social withdrawal, religion and support from family members and healthcare providers.…”

“…5 The women reported being worried about death; feeling that their future was threatened; that their families were shocked by their diagnosis; that the cancer interfered with their work and their familial responsibilities; feeling isolated from society; and reluctance to disclose their diagnosis to other people. 5 Another study found that Omani women diagnosed with breast cancer used numerous strategies to cope with their symptoms, including denial, social withdrawal, religion and support from family members and healthcare providers. 6 The authors of both of these studies recommended that healthcare professionals in Oman be aware of, and respect, their patients' coping strategies and that these women should be provided with more support to reduce the psychological symptoms, distress and dilemmas related to a breast cancer diagnosis.…”

“…[4][5][6] Women with breast cancer have also reported suffering from social discrimination and stigma; hence, they may be less able to cope with the subsequent challenges and adjustments which come with their diagnosis. [5][6][7] Psychological interventions are a form of counselling which can minimise the devastating effects and treatment-related symptoms of patients diagnosed with cancer. 8,9 During direct face-to-face interpersonal sessions, counsellors use various techniques, such as education, coping skills training, psychotherapy and relaxation, either alone or in combination.…”

“…6 The authors of both of these studies recommended that healthcare professionals in Oman be aware of, and respect, their patients' coping strategies and that these women should be provided with more support to reduce the psychological symptoms, distress and dilemmas related to a breast cancer diagnosis. 5,6 Indeed, care for cancer patients should be provided as a "continuum", including risk assessment, primary and secondary prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and end-of-life care. 17 Bearing in mind the QoL benefits of psychological interventions in helping women cope with a breast cancer diagnosis, several measures should be considered to integrate psychological interventions into the healthcare system in Oman.…”