How To Gain More Confidence & Higher Self-Esteem When Preparing For Breast Cancer Surgery

Synopsis: This article acknowledges a patient’s emotional struggles and the impact on their self-esteem after the removal of a tumour from the breast. While the extent of the operation varies for every person, the loss of the breast or partial mastectomy will affect an individual emotionally and psychologically. According to cancer.org, 31% to 67% of the estimated 3.1 million survivors are affected by their body image following a breast cancer operation. The invisible scars – the emotional ones – should not be neglected.

Find out how you can take control of the situation for a better outcome and feel more confident about yourself after breast surgery.

Breast cancer surgery is one of the main components within a cancer treatment plan. The scope of operation will be dependent on the individual’s breast cancer features, with the aim of removing as much of the malignant tumour as possible or finding out whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes of the underarm. This is to ensure that the cancer is removed. While the surgeons are able to weigh in on the different procedures (mastectomy or lumpectomy), it is true that most do not have the personal experience of breast removal or the trauma of a cancer diagnosis.

According to cancer.org, 31% to 67% of the estimated 3.1 million survivors are concerned with their body image following a breast cancer operation. A study conducted with women who had had a mastectomy found that many felt inadequate and incomplete. To many, breasts represent femininity, beauty and motherhood. After the operation, the women would select clothes to hide their body, one that they felt was imperfect. Some women voiced their concerns on how their partners or spouses would view them and how it might affect their sexual relationships. Others found themselves reducing social gatherings and preferred to keep to themselves. The invisible emotional scars should not be ignored as these concerns and insecurities are very real. All this might be true for you too.

On a positive note, there are ways to improve the outcome. Read on to find out how you can take control and allow yourself to feel more confident after your breast surgery. Here are a few things for you to consider.

1. Involve yourself in the decision-making process

   One way to prepare for the surgery is to involve yourself in the decision-making process. Information is power. There are many benefits for patients who participate in their treatment plan, for example
   
   a. Improved health outcomes
   b. Higher satisfaction with care experience
   c. Reduced cost
   d. Better patient-doctor experience
   e. Fewer treatment regrets
   
   Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6996004/
   

2. Prepare in advance for your consultation

   Improved patient experience can be paired with preparing a list of questions to ask your breast surgeon. Advance preparation is an “inward exercise” to allow each individual to think logically, and it can help the patient explore their concerns and gain more information to help them evaluate options before making a decision. If possible, it will be prudent to obtain at least two opinions from a breast surgeon for a well-balanced approach.

   Here are some issues to cover with your surgeon:
   a. Discuss considerations for different surgical procedures – pros and cons of mastectomy or lumpectomy. It is recommended that you obtain a clear understanding of the type of surgery procedure.
   b. Gain more information on the surgery – duration of operation, length of hospital stay.
   c. Find out more about how you can prepare for the recovery process and what to expect.
   
   Do note that the list is not exhaustive and should be personalised based on the circumstances and diagnosis of each patient.
   
   Indeed, as the saying goes, the purpose of information is not just knowledge. It is being able to take the right action and make a better and more well-informed decision. This is consistent with studies that suggest that patients who are engaged in their care plan and treatment options cope better than those who are unengaged. In summary, you can be an engaged patient and gain more control of your situation by being involved in the treatment plan and asking questions to gain information to make better-informed decisions.
   
   3. Get into the inner workings of cancer by speaking to those who have been through it

   Finally, here is another suggestion on how you can achieve a better and more successful patient experience – get support from cancer survivors who have been through it. This is a powerful source of support. Do not underestimate the significant source of strength you can get. Fellow cancer survivors who have been through a similar experience can share it with you from a first-hand perspective, along with their struggles and how they coped. You do not need to be alone on this path. Gain strength and encouragement from those who have won their own battles with cancer. Getting support can definitely arm you with wisdom, strength and motivation to take your next step.

   We acknowledge that it is not an easy time for you. We hope these pointers can help you gain more confidence and higher self-esteem! Gain more control for your breast-cancer surgery to achieve a better outcome for your situation.

If you are going through cancer right now, either as a patient or caregiver, please book a free of charge introductory meeting with one of our cancer coaches. We are here for you.