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01-10-2020 | Mastectomy | Reflection

“My Husband Affects Me More Than My Cancer”: Reflections on Simultaneous Intimate Partner Violence and Breast Cancer Experience in a 48-Year-Old Woman

Authors: Francesca Dionigi, Valentina Martinelli, Eugenia Trotti, Alberta Ferrari, Carlos Alberto Garcia-Etienne, Angelica Della Valle, Donatella Grasso, Elisa Ferraris, Gianpiero Rizzo, Vincenza Praticò, Adele Sgarella

Published in: Journal of Cancer Education | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

In this paper, we present the case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with early breast cancer. As candidate for mastectomy, she refused immediate reconstruction. She was referred to a psycho-oncologist for further evaluation and support. Psychological sessions helped reveal a history of intimate partner violence and helped clarify the reason for her refusal to undergo immediate reconstruction. Experience with this case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary practice in which collaboration between surgeons, oncologists, and mental health professionals leads to a more in-depth understanding of the apparently paradoxical behaviors of patients, and to better care for their needs.

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Title: “My Husband Affects Me More Than My Cancer”: Reflections on Simultaneous Intimate Partner Violence and Breast Cancer Experience in a 48-Year-Old Woman
Authors: Francesca Dionigi
Valentina Martinelli
Eugenia Trotti
Alberta Ferrari
Carlos Alberto Garcia-Etienne
Angelica Della Valle
Donatella Grasso
Elisa Ferraris
Gianpiero Rizzo
Vincenza Praticò
Adele Sgarella
Publication date: 01-10-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Mastectomy
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Journal of Cancer Education / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0885-8195
Electronic ISSN: 1543-0154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-019-01661-9

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