Should I Blame Myself for Breast Cancer?

— -- Question: Should I blame myself for breast cancer?

Answer: No. Women should not blame themselves for being diagnosed with breast cancer. And one of the most dangerous parts of that phenomenon is the fact that it directs your energy backwards at a time when you need your energy to deal with the treatment that you'll be undergoing.

Rather than wasting energy, with supposed rationales for why you succumbed to this disease, it's important to understand that at this point the most important factor, as best we can tell, is biology, not psychology, when it comes to the onset of breast cancer. And your energy must be directed in a forward way -- toward your treatment -- in obtaining the best treatment you can, combining that with psychological support, and support from your family to help you get through this difficult, and often very stressful experience.

Next: Is it true that a positive attitude will help me through my breast cancer treatments and what can I do if I have trouble keeping a positive attitude?

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