Illustration of a group of diverse women with breast cancer, illustrating community, support, and resilience. The image promotes understanding and empathy for women facing cancer.

Beyond the Diagnosis: How Breast Cancer Impacts a Woman's Life and Well-being

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpacking the Complexities of Life Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and the Road to Recovery"

Breast cancer, a diagnosis that affects countless women worldwide, extends far beyond the realm of medical treatment. While advances in medicine have significantly improved survival rates, the impact of breast cancer on a woman's life is profound and multifaceted. The journey involves not only physical challenges but also emotional, social, and psychological adjustments that can significantly influence overall well-being.

This article examines the critical aspects of life satisfaction and self-esteem in women with breast cancer, drawing on research to understand the factors that contribute to their well-being. We'll explore the influence of sociodemographic variables, clinical factors, and the crucial role healthcare professionals play in providing comprehensive care.

By understanding these complexities, we can gain valuable insights into how to better support women throughout their breast cancer journey. This knowledge can empower both patients and healthcare providers to address the challenges and promote a higher quality of life.

Unveiling the Dimensions of Well-being: Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem

Illustration of a group of diverse women with breast cancer, illustrating community, support, and resilience. The image promotes understanding and empathy for women facing cancer.

The study in question sought to understand how women with breast cancer experience life satisfaction (LISAT) and self-esteem, two critical components of overall well-being. The research employed a cross-sectional study design, gathering data from a large group of Spanish women with breast cancer. This allowed researchers to examine the relationships between various factors and these core aspects of well-being.

The study used questionnaires to gather information on demographics, clinical aspects, and the women's experiences with LISAT and self-esteem. The LISAT-8 (Satisfaction with Life Questionnaire) assessed satisfaction across various life domains, while the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale measured self-perception. These tools provided a comprehensive view of the participants' well-being.

Good general LISAT: 61.7% of women reported a good overall life satisfaction.
Impact of Work: Women working or those with breast reconstruction reported a higher satisfaction with life.
Surgical Impact: Those who had mastectomies had a lower satisfaction with life.

The results of the study highlight that women with breast cancer generally reported a good level of life satisfaction. However, the research also revealed areas where women's well-being may be compromised. For example, the study showed that satisfaction with their sexual life was rated the lowest, emphasizing the need for targeted support in this area. The study also revealed that marital status, occupation, surgical treatment, and self-esteem are linked to life satisfaction.

Empowering Women Through Knowledge and Support

The study underscores the importance of addressing the diverse needs of women with breast cancer. It highlights the necessity for healthcare professionals to understand the factors influencing life satisfaction and self-esteem. By doing so, they can deliver tailored care that accounts for each patient's unique circumstances and facilitates improved well-being. This knowledge encourages a more complete approach to care and, in doing so, helps improve the lives of many women.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s11136-018-2017-y, Alternate LINK

Title: Determinants Of Satisfaction With Life And Self-Esteem In Women With Breast Cancer

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Quality of Life Research

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Ana Isabel Cobo-Cuenca, Noelia María Martín-Espinosa, María Aurora Rodríguez-Borrego, Juan Manuel Carmona-Torres

Published: 2018-10-15

Everything You Need To Know

How does a breast cancer diagnosis affect a woman's life beyond the physical treatment?

A breast cancer diagnosis significantly impacts a woman's life in multifaceted ways, extending beyond medical treatment. It brings emotional, social, and psychological adjustments, influencing overall well-being. Factors like life satisfaction (LISAT) and self-esteem are critical components affected during this journey. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in understanding and addressing these complexities to provide comprehensive support.

What were the key findings regarding life satisfaction in women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the study?

The study revealed that a majority of women with breast cancer reported a good level of general life satisfaction (LISAT). However, satisfaction with sexual life was rated the lowest, highlighting the need for targeted support in this area. Employment status and having breast reconstruction were linked to higher life satisfaction, while undergoing a mastectomy was associated with lower life satisfaction. Marital status, occupation, surgical treatment, and self-esteem all have links to the general life satisfaction (LISAT).

What is the LISAT-8, and how was the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale used in the research about women with breast cancer?

The LISAT-8, or Satisfaction with Life Questionnaire, is a tool used to assess satisfaction across various life domains. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale measures self-perception. In the research, these tools provided a comprehensive view of the participants' well-being, allowing researchers to understand the relationship between various factors, life satisfaction (LISAT), and self-esteem in women with breast cancer.

What sociodemographic and clinical factors are most influential in determining life satisfaction and self-esteem for women with breast cancer?

Sociodemographic factors, such as marital status and occupation, play a role in life satisfaction. Clinical factors like the type of surgical treatment (mastectomy versus breast reconstruction) also significantly impact life satisfaction (LISAT). Self-esteem is intricately linked to life satisfaction, suggesting that interventions aimed at improving self-perception can positively influence overall well-being. Further investigations of these factors can reveal more insight.

How can healthcare professionals use the findings from this study to improve care for women with breast cancer?

Healthcare professionals can utilize the study's insights to understand the diverse needs of women with breast cancer and address the factors influencing life satisfaction and self-esteem. By delivering tailored care that accounts for each patient's unique circumstances—such as their employment status, marital status, or surgical history—healthcare providers can facilitate improved well-being. Specifically targeting areas like sexual health and providing support to those who have undergone mastectomies can enhance the quality of life. Healthcare professionals should use the LISAT-8 questionnaire to get a baseline and address each domain of life satisfaction (LISAT).