Stages of breast cancer: An Israeli psychosocial intervention model

The Breast Health Center at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center is the fir st center in Israel to provide medical and psychological services under one roof. Tho authors describe a model developed fur the special needs of Isra eli patients with breast cancer. The model includes three phases of interve ntion: diagnostic, surgical, and recovery. The underlying assumption is tha t each phase is characterized by specific stressors, each requiring distinc tive adjustment and coping mechanisms. The phasic approach enables the ther apist to meet the various needs of the patients.