Most patients experience psychological problems following the diagnosis of breast cancer and the most difficult period is between diagnosis and surgery or treatment.

Breast cancer patients will experience the following emotions:

• anger

• depression

• anxiety

• a sense of helplessness

• a sense of powerlessness

• vulnerability

• a sense of unfairness

Breast cancer affects not only the patient, but the patient's family and open communication between family members is important. Intimacy issues must be addressed and can be problematic as each partner is trying to come to terms with their feelings. Breast cancer patients will also experience certain fears around their treatment, such as fear of being sick, fear of being in pain, fear of the side effects of treatment and fear of disfigurement. These should be discussed with your doctor as many side effects of treatment and surgery can be alleviated and knowing this will help. Thoughts of disfigurement after mastectomy can be reduced by having reconstructive surgery, if this is an option. The more you know about breast cancer and the treatment options available, the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Try and speak openly about it with your partner, your family, your friends and your doctor, rather than keeping your feelings bottled up. It may be helpful to speak to fellow breast cancer patients, psychologists and social workers or to contact an organisation such as Bosom Buddies.