A、Psychosocial effects of breast surgery. B、Life crises of cancer patients. C、Female self-image in society. D、A woman’s percepti

The breasts are a profound source of female self-image. Cancer of the breast may seriously affect a woman’s perception of her identity, and breast loss can be very psychologically damaging. Therefore, most breast cancer centers employ counselors. The role of the counselor is to help people adjust to the physical and psychological blow of breast cancer. About 30% of women with the disease suffer from prolonged anxiety and depression, which are natural responses to the loss of a breast or fear of the disease. Women who fail to adjust often have other life crises such as divorce or unemployment. These psychological problems can be helped by referral to a psychiatrist (specialist in mental illness), who may recommend psychotherapy or medications to aid recovery. Physical and sexual rehabilitation can be helped by providing the woman with an adequate prosthetic device (breast form) and by encouraging the woman and her partner to discuss sexual problems in an open way.
   The decision to use prosthesis or toundergo breast reconstruction usually is based on thewoman’s own body image. Other key factors include her level of physical activity, style of clothing, and her willingness to reveal the diagnosis of breast cancer to others.
   The majority of women can return to normal employment after any type of breast cancer surgery. In addition, most are able to enjoy all types of physical recreation, including swimming and golf.
26. What is the speaker talking about?
27. In what way can breast loss be psychologically damaging?
28. Why do most breast centers employ counselors?
29. Why do some breast cancer patients suffer from prolonged anxiety and depression?
30. Which of the following means can help a woman rehabilitate physically after breast surgery?