Photo credit: phalinn / Foter / CC BY

Women undergoing breast cancer treatment face incredible social and psychological stress regarding cancer treatment. A study published in the journal CANCER by the American Cancer Society indicates why it is important for women to have a support team while undergoing cancer treatment. This study suggests that women, particularly African Americans are more likely to experience functional disability or the need for assistance with daily activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toilette, feeding, shopping etc.

Dr. Cynthia Owusu, of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland sought to determine the racial differences in functional disability among older women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. This study revealed that African American women were four times more likely to have functional disability compared to Non-Hispanic White women. These studies suggest that African American women may be more likely to experience persistent functional decline after treatment further worsening their survival outcomes.

 Cancer treatment is a multidisciplinary approach. Over the course of diagnosis a patient may have several doctors; family doctor, radiologist, general surgeon, breast surgeon, surgical oncologist, plastic surgeon, pathologist, medical oncologist, oncology nurse practitioner, oncology nurse, radiation oncologist, radiation oncology nurse, and social worker. And as in the hospital, care is permitted through a team of doctors, nurses, technicians and administrators, the at home aspect of cancer is just as integral to overall recovery. Having a caring support team promotes a positive atmosphere for healing.