• 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

Feb 2002- Grade 3 stage 3 Her2 3+++ 5.5cm cancer. Clear margins couldn’t be achieved after 2 lumpectomy’s so had a total mastectomy, but no recon. It’s almost 10years now and still the cancer hasn’t returned so I try to believe that I’m cured!! Still haven’t had a recon, but have promised myself one as my 10 year treat in 2012. At diagnosis I was warned that with my grade tumour I might not live beyond 5 years…how wrong could they be. I do everything I’m not supposed to and remain positive as much as I can. I’m still very much alive!!! XX

Jennifer, Old Harlow

Most women who have a mastectomy will be able to have a reconstruction, either at the same time as their breast surgery or later. Talk to other women about reconstruction options as well as mastectomies and living breast free on our Discussion Forum or attend one of our free information sessions about breast reconstruction. You can also watch animated guides to the main reconstruction techniques on our website, or order our free booklet which looks at the options, procedures, suitability for reconstruction, how to find a surgeon, possible side affects, and the recovery period.
Jennifer, Old Harlow