Mindfulness and psychoeducation reduce anxiety due to fear of recurrence in breast cancer by 30%
Culiacán Sin.- The impact of emotional and psychological support in the fight against breast cancer is undeniable. A growing body of research has shown that patients who receive psychological support not only experience a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and distress, but also improve their adherence to treatments and their ability to cope with pain and side effects, states clinical psychotherapist and academic director of Universidad ISEP, Mtra. Alma Torres.
“The patient’s emotional state directly influences their immunological response to treatment. While psychological support does not modify the medical prognosis, it significantly improves the perception of the process and the quality of life during the illness,” Torres emphasizes.
One of the most common fears after overcoming breast cancer is the fear of recurrence, a profound psychological challenge that affects between 60% and 70% of survivors in the first years post-treatment, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“The fear that cancer will return can generate high levels of anxiety, affecting the ability to enjoy life after treatment,” explains Torres.
Reducing Fear and Improving Well-being
Psychoeducational intervention and mindfulness techniques have proven to be key tools in managing this anxiety. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology in 2017 revealed that these interventions reduce anxiety symptoms linked to fear of recurrence by 30%.
Furthermore, a meta-analysis published in Cancer Nursing highlighted that these patients experience significant improvements in immunological markers, such as NK cell activity, which are fundamental in the fight against cancer.
According to a study by the National Cancer Institute of the USA, women with a high level of emotional and social support are 25% less likely to relapse. Torres emphasizes the importance of psycho-oncology in oncological treatment: “The psycho-oncologist helps patients manage these fears through education about real risks, the identification of catastrophic thoughts, and the promotion of mindfulness practices that allow them to live in the present, without getting trapped in constant worry about the future.”
The Crucial Role of the Family
The psychotherapist also points out that the family environment plays a crucial role in recovery. “Up to 40% of family members of breast cancer patients experience symptoms of anxiety or depression,” says Torres, citing a study from Psycho-Oncology. Psycho-oncological support not only improves the well-being of patients but also that of their loved ones, reducing family emotional stress by 25%.
Torres emphasizes the importance of family therapy and psychoeducation as tools to strengthen the resilience of family members, promoting effective communication and stress management. “It is essential that society understands that emotions are an integral part of the recovery process. It is not just about fighting cancer in the body, but also about addressing the psychological consequences to improve the quality of life.”
Emotional Well-being as a Pillar of Oncological Treatment
“Mental health in breast cancer treatment is not a secondary aspect; it is an essential component of the recovery process,” concludes Torres, who directs the Academic Department of Universidad ISEP, which includes the Master’s in Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care.
“Emotions, fear, and uncertainty can affect as much as physical symptoms. Emotional support provides patients with the necessary tools to face the vital changes that cancer brings.”
This integrated approach to mental and physical health underscores the need for oncological treatment that recognizes the fundamental role of emotional well-being in recovery.