Being a Woman
Body Image and Sexual Intimacy
Remember—it is normal to have concerns about your appearance after breast cancer surgery and other treatments. You may feel very different from your “pre-cancer” self. However, try not to focus on negative body issues and remind yourself that you are becoming a “healthier you.”
The physical discomfort, the stress from surgery, and side effects from treatments can cause problems with your sexuality and intimacy.
How you and your partner treat the loss or change in your breasts is crucial in helping you maintain a positive body image and sense of sexuality.
Try to express how you feel.
When you resume sexual activity is up to you. Be open with your partner. If you are not ready to resume sexual activity, be sure to make it clear to your partner that not wanting sexual contact in the moment is not an act of rejection.
The most important thing to remember is that your physical appearance may have changed with having cancer, but you remain a strong and beautiful woman. You survived.
“Since having cancer, my body has changed…
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