Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Writing to Connect CAN CREATING A PERSONAL WEBSITE IMPROVE ADJUSTMENT TO BREAST CANCER? BY LAUREN HARRIS A PPROXIMATELY one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast can- cer at some point during her life (Howlader et al., 2012). In 2014 alone, more than 232,000 Ameri- can women were diagnosed with the disease (DeSantis et al., 2014). Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, which can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and/or endocrine therapy, can profoundly impact a woman’s physical, psy- chological, and social functioning. Although most women diag- nosed with breast cancer adjust well over time, breast cancer patients do have elevated rates of depression and anxiety disorders compared with the general popu- lation (Mitchell et al., 2011; Fann et al., 2008). Depression in cancer patients is associated with low- er participation in medical care, longer hospital stays, and, perhaps, lower survival (Colleoni et al., 2000; Prieto et al., 2002; Fann et al., 2008; Pinquart & Duberstein, 2010a). Breast cancer patients are UCLA Center for the Study of Women also faced with social concerns, in- cluding managing communication with loved ones about their health and having less energy to engage in valued social activities. Many studies demonstrate that traditional types of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive-expressive therapy, can improve emotional distress and quality of life in cancer patients (Faller et al., 2013; Naaman et al., 2009). However, some breast cancer patients may be unable to participate in therapy in a tradi- tional, face-to-face setting due to side effects of treatment (for ex- ample, fatigue and pain), intensive medical treatment schedules, and unavailability of therapy services in their communities. Therefore, it is crucial to identify resources that are both effective and accessible to address the difficulties women face following a breast cancer diagnosis. A large body of research demon- strates that strong social ties can improve both psychological and physical health during the cancer experience (Nosarti et al., 2002; Pinquart & Duberstein, 2010b) and that social isolation is associ- ated with poor health outcomes (Widows et al., 2000; Lutgendorf & Sood, 2011). Despite the impor- tance of social support, fostering communication between women with breast cancer and their social network can be challenging. Wom- en may be hesitant to ask others for help, lack the energy to seek support, or feel burdened by hav- ing to repeat the same information over and over. Family and friends may want to offer support, but may not know what to say or do. Personal websites provide a central space for women to share their cancer experience and com- municate their needs, bridging the potential gap in communication between the patient and her sup- port system. Online journaling may help women to create a story of their experience with breast can- cer, express emotions, and boost confidence in their ability to cope with the cancer experience, factors
Author: Lauren Harris
Language: English
Topic: Cancer survivorship and care
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W229700673