Sexuality Following Breast Cancer Treatment

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Breast cancer and sexuality
Components of sexuality
Body image and self esteem

Breast cancer and sexuality

There are many things which can affect the way a woman feels about her own body and her sexuality following breast cancer treatment. Surgery, whether it be breast-conserving surgery or mastecomy, can change the appearance of a woman's body and affect her self-esteem. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, have profound effects on libido (sex drive), and induce premature menopause with associated physical and emotional changes. The emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and the treatment process can also affect a couple's physical and emotional relationship.

Together, these changes can make sexuality an important issue for women returning to normal life after breast cancer treatment. However, despite its importance, sexuality after breast cancer is an often-neglected issue, as many women feel uncomfortable raising the issue with their partner or health professional. The following article aims to provide an overview of some of the issues which may concern you or your partner, and to provide a starting point for discussion of these concerns.

Components of sexuality

Sexuality is a complex idea. It does not refer simply to sexual drive, desire or activity, but also includes the concepts of body image, self-esteem, mood, support, and emotional connection and intimacy. All of these can be affected by a diagnosis of cancer.

Body image and self esteem

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer will undergo either a lumpectomy (breast conserving surgery) or mastectomy (removal of the whole breast) as part of their treatment. Radiation therapy to the breast may also result in scarring or changes to the shape or size of the breast. This can have a profound impact on a woman's body image, self-esteem and sexuality.

Some women report feeling 'less feminine' after mastectomy, while others feel very uncomfortable being naked, either alone or with a partner. It is important to discuss these changes with your partner, so that you are both aware of your concerns. You may find that it helps to wear a camisole or other nightwear to bed to conceal the surgical scar until you are comfortable. Other women prefer to wear a breast prosthesis and bra at night.

Another issue which often concerns women after mastectomy is the loss of pleasure from the breast which has been removed. Surgical or radiotherapy scars may also be painful or uncomfortably sensitive. One strategy which may help in this situation is to focus on stimulation of other areas of the body, for example the neck or inner thighs. Again, discussion of the changes with your partner will help both of you feel more comfortable with your new body shape, and discover new ways of finding pleasure. Most of all, it is important to take your time.

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