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

Diagnosed 2006 aggressive HER2 tumour aged 37.Radical surgery chemo and rads.Two and a half years later Jessie arrived so Tamoxifen was stopped.Couldn’t believe it at the time but perhaps miracles do happen!There is life after cancer and 5 years on from diagnosis I’m working full time and running around after the kids and just being normal ‘me’.It’s just yearly checks and mammograms for me.

Kath, Hertfordshire

Some chemotherapy and hormone therapies used to treat breast cancer can bring about an early menopause and cause temporary or permanent infertility (being unable to get pregnant). Find out more at one of our free information sessions or short Moving Forward courses, or order our publications on managing side effects of treatment and being a younger women with breast cancer.