Support Key For Breast Cancer Patients

Dr. Senay: Family, Friends, Groups Can Help Their Mindsets

(CBS)  More and more patients are surviving breast cancer, and the right support can make a big difference, says Dr. Emily Senay.

The Early Show's medical correspondent explained Wednesday that their support networks can include family, friends and organizations, and that support is "very important."

Breast cancer can be a disfiguring disease, Senay notes, damaging to self-esteem as well as to the body. Treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can be very debilitating. And of course, it is life threatening.

Still, treatment is more successful than ever. The American Cancer Society estimates that 88 percent of breast cancer patients survive at least five years after diagnosis.

That's progress, Senay observes, but clearly, mortality is very much on the mind of a breast cancer patient. And support from loved ones during and after breast cancer treatment can mean a lot to patients.

Communication, she says, may be the biggest part. There's plenty of fear involved for everyone, both the patient and her loved ones. The more those concerns go unanswered, the rougher and lonelier the experience can be. Talking these concerns out can be a comfort, and can strengthen relationships.

Honesty about the disease is important. Breast cancer is a serious condition, and denying that is pointless. So, women shouldn't kid themselves about it. At the same time, the high survival rate is reason for optimism. If you're the loved one of a breast cancer patient, try to inject that optimism wherever you can. And if you're the patient, cheer up your loved ones, especially your children. This time is rough on them, too, and they could also use a touch of optimism.

Also, Senay says, patients should ask for support when they need it. And a good strategy is to figure out the practical things each loved one does best, then put them to work! Patients should ask someone who drives to take them you to medical appointments and cancer treatments. Have them sit in on talks with doctors, to be an extra pair of eyes and ears when the information gets complicated. Someone good around the house can cook or clean. People can run simple errands, or go shopping for patients. Even simple, ordinary chores take strength patients may not really have. Patients should let people do things for them.

In addition, loved ones should volunteer to do chores, especially if the patient is used to doing things for herself, and might not even think to ask for help. She might even resist help at first, because she doesn't want to feel dependent. But if help can bed provided in a way that isn't threatening, chances are it will be a boost to her recovery.

Not everybody has people around who can offer support, though.

In that case, there are support groups in many locations, often associated with hospitals and other places where medical care is provided. Breast cancer patients and their loved ones can talk things out with other people who share their experiences.

Breast cancer, Senay says, can be a very lonely experience. Knowing that they're not alone can be a major step toward patients' recovery, both physical and emotional.