How Metastatic Breast Cancer Impacts Emotional Health

“A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer means that you will most likely be living with breast cancer for the rest of your life,” says Hanna Y. Irie, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer care at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Initially, this can be a hard concept to wrap your head around.”

Your emotional and physical health are more closely linked than you might think, though. “When you take the time to address your emotional needs, you’re more likely to make more informed treatment decisions and communicate more effectively with your treatment team,” says Cassie Spector, LCSW, an oncology social worker and the program coordinator for breast and gynecological cancers at CancerCare in New York City.

Here’s how to feel more in control of your emotions:

• Find ways to express how you feel. Whether it’s joining a support group, keeping a journal, or talking with a counselor, letting your feelings out can help you better understand them.

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• Lean on your loved ones. Chances are, your loved ones want to be there for you but might not know how. Be open and honest with those close to you about how you feel and how they can support you.

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• Engage in healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a nutritious diet, prioritize your sleep, and stay active, all of which can help boost your overall well-being.

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• Take steps to manage stress. A breast cancer diagnosis can be understandably stressful.

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  But finding ways to relax — whether it’s with meditation, guided imagery, relaxation techniques, or even making time for your favorite hobby — can help you unwind and take your mind off the disease.

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• Focus on what you can control. Educate yourself about the condition, stay on top of your checkups, lean into healthy lifestyle changes, and become an active participant on your care team.

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• Pursue your dreams. “I’ve found that many people with metastatic breast cancer use it as an opportunity to take charge, be bold, and take on the dreams and passions that they’ve harbored for much of their life but were either held back or afraid to step forward on that path,” says Dr. Irie. Once they decide to follow their dreams, “They’ve gotten a significant amount of fulfillment from it,” she says. Think about what’s really important, and don’t be afraid to do the things that will make you happy.

Keep in mind, the strategies that work best for one person may not work well for another, and finding the right approach may take some trial and error. “You have to try different things before you find a few strategies that help you feel even a little bit better on a day-to-day basis,” says Irie.