A majority of women find that breast cancer diagnosis and treatment seriously disrupt their sexual lives and create havoc with their body image. Barriers to intimacy and self image may include: physical changes, premature menopause, diminished hormones, pain, vaginal dryness, fear, being preoccupied, fatigue, nausea, depression, anger, feeling unsafe, angry, depressed, and feeling betrayed by one’s own body. Also, consciously or unconsciously, our breasts often represent womanhood; thus, disease or disfigurement of them brings about many emotional struggles with body image and intimacy.
Women and their partners face multiple issues, some are expected but many may blindside the relationship. Believe your partner when he expresses his love and desire for you. Learn to touch, hold hands, experiment, be together and simply try to relax. You may re-discover yourself, intimacy and sex in many fulfilling ways.
Single women also confront concerns about their sexuality when they hope to become part of a relationship. There are worries about how breast cancer will affect dating, about how and when to tell those prospective partners about their condition.
Regaining intimacy and a sense of body image both during and after your breast cancer journey is important to overall recovery. Know that help and improvement in these areas is available, although the change may take time.