Psychosocial aspects of neoplastic disease: I. Functional status of breast cancer patients during different treatment regimens

Abstract

Breast cancer patients (146) representing 3 different treatment regimens were studied by means of a structured interview, open-ended questions and a modified Psychiatric Status Schedule. Physical disability did not necessarily relate to an increase in emotional disturbance. The most emotionally disturbing time was the 1st recurrence of the breast cancer and the most common disturbance reported in all three treatment groups was in the area of mate role functioning. Adjuvant radiation therapy was a potent source of distress during primary cancer treatment and at least 1/3 of all patients in each category reported needing help with household chores.