Because breast cancer accounts for 1 in 3 new female cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society;
More and more cases are resorting to mastectomy, as the fastest way to recovery.
But this treatment option turns into a highly emotional human experience, which is met by those around him with more curiosity and impulsiveness in asking questions, and excessive recitation of expressions of support and calmness;
Which can be well-intentioned but can sometimes backfire.
For this, experts explain that dealing with mastectomy cases must be sensitive;
Saying the wrong thing is exhausting for a person who has endured a lot of suffering.
These experts offer recommendations on some things to avoid when talking to women who have had this surgery and how to support them, while being careful of the potential harm some questions and statements may cause.
Why did you have a mastectomy?
The circumstances of deciding to undergo a mastectomy may vary from case to case;
But often the case has considered several options for treatment, received enough advice from doctors, and consulted with family and close friends before making its decision.
Therefore, it is not appropriate or reasonable, after following the medical procedures, to ask her why she did the excision?
Was surgery necessary?
Aren't you too young to do it?
Cathy Gusti, a businesswoman who recently underwent a double mastectomy, says:
Huffpost said that "the decision to undergo a mastectomy, albeit primarily medically, is also a personal decision."
Have your breasts changed in size?
It is important to remember, that a mastectomy is a major surgery in which a visible part of the body is removed, so it is advised to make more helpful comments with a breast cancer patient such as “How do you feel after the surgery? I would love to hear from you, if you want to talk about it” or "I'm here to help you get as good as you can be", or "I appreciate what you're going through, but I want you to know I'm here to listen and make you comfortable."
Are you going to have a breast reconstruction?
Performing breast reconstruction is not a simple decision at the social, medical and financial level as well, so we should not talk about those solutions that will not be absent from the mind of the mastectomy patient and her family, because the doctor usually puts forward this alternative solution before performing the mastectomy, because some In cases, breast reconstruction is performed at the same time immediately after the excision, and the doctor may advise postponing this decision until another time.
Oncologist Elizabeth Comin says, "It is not a requirement that everyone who performs a mastectomy follows it with a cosmetic structure that resembles the original breast, as there are those who choose to be satisfied with the flat position."
And the reference to "getting new breasts" severely reduces the emotional and physical recovery needed.
That's why publicist Alex Whitaker Scheidel, who had a double mastectomy about 4 years ago, said:
She expressed her dismay at hearing such questions “which reduce the real pain and difficult feelings that I still struggle to process”, as she continues to suffer from physical side effects affecting her daily life.
It is enough that you will never get breast cancer again
One of the hurtful and unhelpful comments, too, is that a mastectomy means never getting breast cancer again;
In fact, breast cancer can recur, even after a mastectomy;
Albeit rarely.
A mastectomy can greatly reduce the risk of developing or recurring this type of cancer, but there is no guarantee of this.
Therefore, a mastectomy patient should not be pushed to explain medical issues that might raise her concerns again.
That some women opt for a mastectomy to avoid radiation and chemotherapy doesn't mean we should underestimate painful surgery (Getty Images)
It's good that you got rid of them early
"Some women opting for a mastectomy to avoid radiotherapy and chemotherapy doesn't mean that we should take it as a gain and dismiss the painful and life-changing surgery entirely," says mental health specialist Tamika Simpson.
She also suggests avoiding comparisons with any experiences of female relatives or acquaintances who have had a mastectomy, when talking about the topic, or expressing sympathy;
"Seldom is a comparison useful, in such a personal and distressing situation."
It is enough that you rest from the mammogram.
Although the mastectomy was commented on as a relief for its owner from the suffering of mammograms;
“It can be said in jest, by a friend or family member; it can be very distressing because it is a reminder of the loss that has occurred,” says two-time cancer survivor Stacey Aaron Domanico, who strives to benefit other women from her own experience.
She adds that such statements "remind us of a part of the body we did not choose to lose, just to get rid of an uncomfortable X-ray done once a year."
It's simple, and you'll be back to normal in a few weeks
“While people who have a mastectomy may feel better physically within a few weeks of surgery, emotional recovery can take much longer,” says Dr. Kelly Hunt, chief of breast oncology at the University of Texas.
She explains that "adjustment disorders" are common in all cancer patients, especially breast cancer patients who undergo surgery, "because of a change in the image."
So, Hunt cautions, "underestimating the surgical and psychological pain associated with the mastectomy experience and assuming that recovery is about to be complete once treatment is finished can hurt the patient's feelings."