How Breast Cancer Affects Mental Health and Ways to Manage it

10/02/2024

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect your body — your mental health matters, too. Here’s how you can cope with the emotional side of breast cancer.

By Jeanne Capasse, MD, Breast Surgery, Nuvance Health

Facing breast cancer is tough. It’s something no one is ever truly prepared for. Beyond the physical treatments and medical decisions, many people experience anxiety and stress when they deal with breast cancer. From the moment of diagnosis, through treatments and survivorship, breast cancer can weigh on you emotionally.

Let’s look at some common ways breast cancer can affect your mental health and ways to feel better.

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How does a breast cancer diagnosis affect mental health?

Many people share the shock, fear and uncertainty that come with a breast cancer diagnosis. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and worry about the future — the impact on your health, family, work and the things that matter most to you.

This anxiety can sometimes turn into depression, especially as treatments progress. It might help to know you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people say the emotional toll of breast cancer was just as challenging as the physical side effects.

What can I do to manage the emotional toll of breast cancer treatment?

While it’s impossible to avoid the emotional rollercoaster, there are ways to manage the stress, fear and sadness that often come with treatments. Here are a few things to try:

Talk to someone: Whether it’s a therapist, a support group or a friend, sharing your feelings can help lighten the load.

Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga can help you find a sense of calm during difficult moments.

Stay active: Physical activity, like walking, can improve your mood and boost your energy levels. Find ways to exercise outside, because being in nature can have a healing effect.

Eat nutritious foods: Certain foods can fuel your body and mind. Aim to eat colorful, whole foods for optimal nutrients. Fruits full of antioxidants, such as berries, veggies loaded with vitamins, such as leafy greens, and whole grains can energize you and promote overall good health. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can affect your mood and energy levels.

Related content: Nutrition tips for cancer survivors

Get enough sleep: The body heals when we sleep. Getting enough quality sleep can help you feel well emotionally and physically. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep per night.

How common is anxiety or depression after breast cancer treatment?

You might be surprised to learn how common mental health concerns are during and after breast cancer treatment. Anxiety and depression affect a significant portion of people who have gone through breast cancer, and it can last after treatment ends.

Many survivors worry about recurrence or struggle with changes in body image from treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you’re feeling this way, it’s essential to acknowledge these emotions and seek help when needed.

Can stress affect my breast cancer prognosis and recovery?

It’s a common question: Will stress make things worse? While there’s no definitive link between stress and cancer progression, chronic stress can make recovery harder. Stress affects your immune system, ability to heal and energy levels. Stress can also cause chronic inflammation in your body, which is a risk factor for cancer.

By finding ways to reduce stress — whether through relaxation techniques, counseling or taking time to rest — you can give yourself the best chance for a smooth recovery.

What types of support are available for people affected by breast cancer struggling with mental health?

There’s much support for people affected by breast cancer. From professional counseling to support groups specifically for breast cancer patients, you don’t have to manage your mental health alone.

Here are some options:

Individual therapy: Speaking to a therapist, especially one who specializes in cancer-related mental health can help you work through your feelings.

Support groups: Many women find comfort in connecting with others who understand what they’re going through. These groups can be in-person or online. Find a cancer support group or event. You can also look for groups on social media.

Medications: If you’re dealing with anxiety or depression that doesn’t improve with other methods, your doctor might recommend medication to help you feel better.

How can I talk to my family and friends about my emotions?

Sometimes, talking about how you feel to the people closest to you is one of the hardest things to do. Family and friends often want to be there for you but may not know how. Being open about your emotional struggles can help them support you better.

You could say, “I’m having a hard time with my emotions right now,” or “I need some extra support as I work through this.”

It might even help to bring a loved one to a therapy session so they can better understand what you’re going through.

Are there specific mental health resources for survivors of breast cancer?

Yes! Once treatment ends, you may find yourself dealing with different mental health challenges. Body image issues, fear of recurrence or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur.

At Nuvance Health, we have a breast cancer survivorship program. Your breast surgeon or nurse navigator will connect you with survivorship specialists as you complete active treatment. Joining a survivorship program or seeing a therapist who understands these unique concerns can help you navigate this new chapter.

Can mental health medications interfere with breast cancer treatment?

If you’re already on medication for anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions, you may wonder if it could affect your breast cancer treatment. In most cases, there are no major interactions; but it’s important to let your healthcare team know what medications you’re taking. They can guide you on any necessary adjustments.

The bottom line: Breast cancer affects more than just your body — it can affect your mind, too. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed, anxious or sad. The key is to take care of your mental health, just as you’re taking care of your physical health.

At Nuvance Health, your breast cancer care team wants to know how you feel; we will connect you with the resources and support you need. Reach out for help, talk to your loved ones, and remember, you’re not alone. Your emotional well-being matters and there are plenty of resources to support you every step of the way.