Beyond the Diagnosis: A Pharmacist & Patient’s Viewpoint on Mental Health in Breast Cancer Care
(Image: A warm, approachable photo of Kelly Gable. caption: Photo courtesy of Kelly Gable)
The fight against cancer is often framed as a physical battle, but for those in the trenches – both as healthcare providers and patients – it’s profoundly clear that mental and emotional wellbeing are equally critical. Kelly Gable, a psychiatric pharmacist and breast cancer survivor, embodies this understanding. Her unique perspective, forged through years of advocating for mental health access and navigating her own diagnosis, offers invaluable insight into the often-overlooked psychological landscape of cancer care. Here, she shares her experiences and why integrated mental healthcare is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Q: As both a pharmacist and a patient, how has your experience with breast cancer changed the way you think about mental health in the context of cancer care?
A: Throughout my career, I’ve been a passionate advocate for mental health, working to expand access to treatment and empower pharmacy students to confidently address mental health conditions. Even before my diagnosis, I was acutely aware of the systemic shortage of mental health professionals and the barriers many face in accessing care. But experiencing breast cancer firsthand illuminated a glaring gap – a significant lack of integrated mental healthcare within the cancer journey. It was deeply disheartening to discover this isn’t an isolated experience,and ultimately,it fueled my determination to speak out and advocate for change.
Q: What were some of the biggest emotional or psychological changes you faced during your diagnosis and treatment, and how did you navigate them?
A: Looking back, I recognise at least five key moments were behavioral health support is crucial throughout breast cancer care: 1) the initial diagnosis and surgery, 2) the challenges of chemotherapy and radiation, 3) navigating treatment-induced menopause, 4) the persistent anxiety surrounding recurrence, and 5) preparing for end-of-life considerations.
For me personally, the emotional toll came from so many angles. The speed of the initial process was jarring. I underwent a mastectomy shortly after diagnosis, leaving little time to process the physical and emotional impact of the loss. Then came the agonizing wait for genomic testing results – information that would determine my next steps and whether chemotherapy was necessary. That period of uncertainty was incredibly draining.
While chemotherapy was physically demanding, I actually found a surprising level of support from friends and family during that time. However, the long-term effects – particularly the hormone antagonist treatment and the medication-induced menopause that followed chemotherapy – proved to be the most damaging to my mental health. You spend so much of treatment in “survival mode,” focused on getting through each day, that it’s incredibly difficult to pause, reflect, and truly address the emotional weight of everything you’re experiencing.
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