The authors studied 146 breast cancer patients representing three
different treatment regimens by means of a structured interview, open-
ended questions, and a modified Psychiatric Status Schedule. The major
findings indicated that physical disability did not necessarily relate to
an increase in emotional disturbance. The most emotionally disturbing time
was the first recurrence of the breast cancer, and the most common
disturbance reported in all three treatment groups was in the area of mate
role functioning. In addition, adjuvant radiation therapy was a potent
source of distress during primary cancer treatment, and at least one-third
of all patients in each category reported needing help with household
chores.Abstract Teaser