Breast Cancer as a Multi-Diagnosis Spectrum: Implications for Practice and Families

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) in women is the second most common cancer after lung cancer. It has been estimated that in developing nations 70 % of new BC cases would be seen by 2020. Breast cancer survivorship is a complex and dynamic process that starts from the moment of diagnosis and continues until the end of one's life. It has implications for both cancer survivors and their social networks, and medical practices. Provided the complex illness and treatment related symptoms, and patients' psychological responses to these, breast cancer can be treated nowadays as a multi-diagnosis spectrum, and not a single medical condition. However, some symptoms need years to develop, are omitted from medical protocols, remain unknown or unaddressed. Due to the increasing number of BC survivors, the medical practice needs a readjustment to be potentially able to enhance patient compliance with treatment and quality of life. This review aims to reconcile the existing evidence on BC and to heighten awareness of healthcare professionals to the current situation, with a view of improving the health care and education of BC women and their families.