Younger women are better able to cope with cancer

CHAIRMAN OF Jamaica Reach to Recovery Carolind Graham says that women in the lower-income bracket see breast cancer as a result of lack of opportunities, improper diet, and just plain bad luck.

For those dependent on a male for support, the disfigurement of losing a breast is a real challenge. Graham said that based on her experience interacting with women who have been affected by the disease, younger women have a better appreciation of the randomness of breast cancer. As such, they are better able to cope with this challenge. On the other hand, older women are more conscious of their mortality, and as such, do not cope as well.

Like the medical practitioners, Graham has observed that women who hide the fact that they have cancer usually refuse treatment and eventually succumb to the disease. She noted that others delay treatment until it is apparent that their condition is worsening, at which point, they reach out for help. In many cases, it is too late.

While unable to categorically state whether the women she interacts with and who hide the disease are more likely to opt for non-traditional treatment, Graham reasoned that “if you are hiding a medical condition, then you are left up to your own devices to treat the problem. Persons hiding the disease may confide in someone who they think knows something about non-traditional, bush or folk medicine. The jury on the reliability and curative powers of nontraditional treatments is still out. However, in our experience, the mortality rate of persons using these methods is very high”.

In terms of the overall implications, if any, for hiding the disease, Graham pointed out that this isolates the patient. She said that for some persons, this is fine as they are able to cope independently. However, she noted that most persons appreciate support while going through the various unknown phases of the disease. As such, she said sharing one’s experiences, particularly with others who have travelled the same road before, is both reassuring and comforting.

Corporate women often … (think) breast cancer is something that should not happen to them