More than five years after treatment, 30% of people found that side effects were having a significant impact on their lives. 20 out of 66 people,
Breast Cancer Care poll, May 2011
'I am a few years post diagnosis. No one prepared us for life after breast cancer, but we live and learn.' Breast Cancer Care poll, May 2011
More than five years after treatment, breast cancer had a negative impact on the sex lives of 60% of people. 41 out of 68 people,
Breast Cancer Care poll, May 2011
'My children were very small when I was diagnosed, and they didn't understand the implications of breast cancer. Now in their 20s they're able to understand.' Breast Cancer Care poll, May 2011
More than five years after treatment, 30% of people experienced lymphoedema. 14 out of 47 people,
Breast Cancer Care poll, May 2011
'Three years ago my support group did a fashion show and at the age of 58 I was a model for a night, something I never thought I could do before.' Breast Cancer Care poll, May 2011

Moving Forward:
Beyond five years

I am 8yrs post surgery, had a “Litimus Dorsis reconstruction , immmediately, but it took me a long time before I could look at myself in the mirror, especially during the Chemo.,My way of coping was a feeling of me looking in from the outside , and the experince happening to some-one else.

Anne, Lenzie, Glasgow.

Breast cancer affects the way many women feel about their bodies and their confidence about how they look. Treatment may leave temporary or permanent visible reminders of the experience, including scars, changes to the skin after radiotherapy, hair loss during chemotherapy (or re-growth after), and lymphoedema. Many people have also gained or lost weight as a result of treatment. Find out more about the effects of breast cancer on body image and identity at one of our free information sessions or by ordering a free Moving Forward resource pack.