The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer: A Psychologist's Insight as a Patient (Paperback)

Cordelia Galgut (author)

£16.99

Paperback 204 Pages
Published: 25/09/2010

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Synopsis

'It's rare to find a professional in the field of health care who understands the psychology of such a frightening experience and who has also been through it herself. Cordelia's book will ring true to every woman who has experienced breast cancer and will, I hope, offer insight to doctors and nurses.' - From the foreword by Jenni Murray OBE What is it like to experience breast cancer? This book presents rare and valuable insights into the impact of diagnosis, treatment and prognosis from a woman who has experienced breast cancer as both patient and as health professional. It informs and educates readers about the psychological realities of living with breast cancer, of treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy, and the impact of social and historical attitudes to the breast and breast cancer on a woman's experience of the disease. The conflicts Cordelia Galgut experienced between conventional wisdom and her own first-hand experience are explored vividly and reflectively. The Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer is vital reading for medical and mental health professionals and trainees working with breast cancer patients, and for those who are affected by or have an interest in the condition. 'The aim of this book, and the way forward, is to understand that we must all be more sensitive to the feelings of patients and to the suffering, uncertainty and sense of vulnerability that this disease imposes upon them.' - Dr Carmel Coulter in her Foreword 'This book has helped me understand the complexities that my patients present and has turned me into a better doctor. It has eased my way along the road that I now travel as a cancer survivor.' - Dr Cathy Roberts in her Foreword ]

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
ISBN: 9781846193033
Number of pages: 204
Weight: 406 g
Dimensions: 234 x 156 x 14 mm

MEDIA REVIEWS

The range of communication, compassion and awareness of the different health professionals involved throughout her diagnosis and treatment makes the book a compelling and necessary read, although not always a pleasant one for anyone working in breast care. A challenging book for any nurse working in breast cancer and a worthwhile addition to hospital and cancer information libraries. - Cancer Nursing Practice 'This is an important book for any medical or mental health practitioner working with cancer patients, particularly breast cancer patients. Breast cancer patients might find a place where they feel understood and supported. Galgut reminds us that although women's experiences will be different, there will also be common experiences, which should be recognised and acknowledged explicitly.' Therapy Today 'People who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who know, love or treat someone with breast cancer would benefit from reading this book. It provides a deeper level of understanding about some of the natural fears associated with the disease and also the simple needs of a human being requiring comfort and humanity. The greatest surprise for me was to learn how powerful even the smallest touch or using the right words can be in softening the impact of bad news or dealing with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Something we could perhaps all learn from.' Against Breast Cancer 'This book is not a cheery read but it is honest, heartfelt and full of helpful insights. I hope it will be read by both women with breast cancer, and their families, friends and health professionals. ' Medical Journalists' Association news Although we must accept that with increasing longevity a half of men and one-third of women will face cancer, the message of this book to both professionals and patients is that breast cancer is different: it is spectacularly transformative of a woman's core sense of self and identity. It is a literally life-shattering experience that cannot be treated as a purely biological phenomenon in isolation from the sufferer's psychological health. - Healthcare Counselling and Psychotherapy Journal