Recovering from breast cancer

By Siobhan Mason

Beating the actual cancer is only half the battle - the recovery process takes enormous emotional strength. Healthy diet, exercise and positive thinking can play a crucial role in the recuperation stage

Although most women on the road to recovery from breast cancer may describe their foremost emotion as elation rather than sadness, statistics show that 30 per cent of women with this disease develop anxiety or depression within a year of diagnosis. And according to the charity Breast Cancer Care, a national organisation offering support and information to those affected by breast cancer, after surgery, 20 to 30 per cent of patients develop persisting problems with body image and sexual difficulties.

'Even when treatment is finished, women may still find it hard to adjust to what has happened and be worried that the cancer may come back,' says Bernie Gardiner, an information nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care.

Indeed, beating the actual cancer is only half the battle. 'Results of the treatment itself - such as losing a breast - may lead to a loss of confidence or self-esteem that can impact sexual relationships. And side effects including menopausal symptoms, hair loss, weight gain, or loss of fertility may have an emotional as well as a physical effect,' says Gardiner.

Overcoming physical hurdles
If you've had breast surgery or radiotherapy, there is often tissue damage which can restrict arm movement. However, specific post-surgery or post-radiotherapy exercises can help you improve your range of movement as your chest area heals. 'Exercise can help relieve and control pain and aid tissue repair because more oxygen is being supplied to the mobile area,' says Gardiner. 'You should do the exercises until you have the full range of movement you had before or, if you've had radiotherapy, continue them for up to two years.' Useful exercises include shoulder circles, hair brushing, back scratching and various arm lifts. For full descriptions of the moves, see www.breastcancercare.org.uk. Your breast cancer nurse or physiotherapist will advise you when it's okay to take up sporting activities again.