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 A certain amount of distress is normal as well.
Some women are affected more than others. But everyone can benefit
from help and support from other people, whether friends and family,
religious groups, support groups, professional counselors, or
others.
Emotional issues can arise after treatment as well. For example,
you’ll probably be concerned that the cancer might come back. Maybe
you’re more aware of the effects the cancer has had on your family,
friends, and career. You may take a new look at your relationships
with those around you. Unexpected issues might also cause concern.
For instance, you might be stressed by financial concerns resulting
from your treatment. You might also see your health care team less
often after treatment and have more time on your hands. Any of these
things might make you anxious.
Special issues women with breast cancer face
Many women with breast cancer face additional stressful issues. For
example, your appearance might have changed as a result of breast
cancer surgery. You may also have concerns about sexuality after
breast cancer. For more on these topics, see
Body Image and Sexuality After Breast Cancer.
For younger breast cancer survivors, changes in appearance and
sexuality might be even more stressful. Some women might still be
thinking about starting a family or having more children, and might
worry about how the cancer and its treatment might affect this.
Others might have already started families and might worry about how
this could affect them. For some women, chemotherapy can cause early
menopause, which can be very distressing on its own.
Regardless of the changes you experience, it's important to know
that there is advice and support out there to help you cope.
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Finding help and support
Almost everyone who is going through or has been through cancer can
benefit from some type of support. You need people you can turn to
for strength and comfort. Support can come in many forms: family,
friends, cancer support groups, religious or spiritual groups,
online support communities, or one-on-one counselors. What’s best
for you depends on your situation and personality.
Some people feel safe in peer-support groups or
education groups. Others would rather talk in an informal setting,
such as church. Others may feel more at ease talking one-on-one with
a trusted friend or counselor. Whatever your source of strength or
comfort, make sure you have a place to go with your concerns.
There are many support groups available, such as the American Cancer
Society
Reach To Recovery program. This program matches you with a local
volunteer who has had breast cancer. As someone who’s been through
the experience, your Reach To Recovery volunteer can answer many of
your questions.
The cancer journey can feel very lonely. You shouldn’t feel the need
to try to deal with everything on your own, and your friends and
family may feel shut out if you don’t include them. Let them in, and
let in anyone else who you feel may help.
If you aren’t sure who can help, call your American Cancer Society
at 1-800-227-2345 and we can put you in touch with a group or
resource that may work for you.
[The American Cancer Society medical
and editorial content team]
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