Breast Cancer & Sexuality
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Sexuality is one aspect of life that may be profoundly altered by cancer. A woman with breast cancer often has worrisome concerns about her sexual identity and attractiveness. Psychologically, the loss of a breast may symbolize her loss of sexuality. She might feel scarred or fearful of rejection. Besides affecting her body image, some breast cancer treatments can change a woman's hormone levels and may affect sexual interest and response. However, breast surgery or radiation do not physically decrease sexual desire in women, nor does it decrease her ability to have sexual intercourse and orgasm. Because breast cancer is sometimes treated by surgical removal of the breast, the subject of breast reconstruction is one of paramount interest to many women. Deciding about breast reconstruction involves many issues, and a woman should become fully informed about the procedure. For example, the feeling of pleasure from fondling the breast and nipple is typically decreased, but the reconstruction may provide the woman with an increased feeling of wholeness and attractiveness. A woman should be realistic about what to expect from reconstruction. Image: McGraw Hill