Not many people have the option of breast reconstruction soon after a mastectomy and many live with physical scars on the chest and no option of implants.
The psycho-social and sexual effects of the diagnosis, the side-effects of treatment and the post-surgery experience are not the same for all people with breast cancer.
There are incredible stories of people who have maintained some normalcy while undergoing treatment. It is not predictable how a person will react or what intervention they will require. Some people do not stop being sexually active and continue being intimate.
Women may complete treatment and only then have questions around their attractiveness and being comfortable with nudity. It is important to have access to an inter-disciplinary team of practitioners who will be able to assist.
• Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproductive health practice, DISA Clinic, 011-886-2286, visit safersex.co.za.
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