Breast Cancer

Essay # 102964

Medical and Health > Medical Studies
Sociology
Women Studies

Breast Cancer

This paper examines the social meanings and the enormous psychological impacts of breast cancer.

1,275 words () | 4 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, because society is obsessed with the body and attractiveness, breast cancer strikes at body image and the very meaning of what it is to be an ideal woman. The author of the paper points out that, whatever surgery the woman might have to remove the cancer, she can never be sure that the cancer is gone completely. The paper relates that hair loss is the most upsetting side effect of chemotherapy because, socially, women are told by the media about the importance of their hair and people always make comment about hair styles. The paper states that intimacy can be affected because sexuality is all about sharing the woman's body with her partner and she may be deeply afraid of rejection. The paper notes that greatest psychological effect on the husband is that he feels completely helpless.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Risks and Prevention of Breast Cancer
Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
Psychological and Social Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"It is very important to prevent breast cancer because it causes many social and psychological problems. Early detection results in the highest possibility of successful treatment. Women need to have a screening mammogram to be sure they are free from breast cancer. For one thing, mammograms result in a 30 percent reduction of deaths from breast cancer. Women in Canada are at risk because a good standard of living or prosperity is a risk factor. The reason is that the woman's diet tends to be high in refined sugars and animal and saturated fats."

Sample of Sources Used:

Boyd, P. (1984). The silent wound. Sydney, Australia: Addison-Wesley Publishing.
Freund, P., M. McGuire & Podhurst, L. (2003). Health, illness, and the social body. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Patt, R. & Lang, S. (2004). The complete guide to relieving cancer pain and suffering. Toronto: Oxford University Press.
Ronit, E. & Morrow, M. (2003). Breast cancer for dummies. Toronto: Wiley Publishing.