Treatment and surgery for breast cancer can result in changes to your body. These changes are very individual, and not everyone experiences them. We outline some of the changes, along with resources that can help support you if you experience them.
- Weight gain
For some people, weight gain can be an upsetting change to their body. The symptoms of menopause and side effects of hormone therapy can make losing weight and exercising harder than before your diagnosis.
Just as your diagnosis and treatment pathway is personal to you, so too is how you want to look and feel after treatment.
Crash dieting and cutting out food groups can mean that you aren’t getting all the nutrition you need to support your health and can contribute to things like fatigue meaning you don’t feel like exercising. There are also a lot of myths about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods after a cancer diagnosis. Speak to a professional and be sure to get evidence-based advice on how to healthily manage your weight.
Read our article about how to find an oncology dietician
- Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is when lymph fluid builds up in tissue. There’s a risk of lymphoedema in the arm following axilla lymph node dissection or after radiotherapy to the axilla/armpit. There’s also a risk of lymphoedema in the breast after surgery. Lymphoedema can happen many years after treatment or surgery and is incurable once it’s developed, although it can be managed. Prevention is therefore important and there are many steps you can take to reduce your risk
Lymphoedema doesn’t happen to everyone, but it is important that you are aware of the signs, which can include a feeling of ‘heaviness’ or swelling. Speak to your breast care nurse about what to look out for and see a qualified therapist or if you think you are developing lymphoedema.
- Cording
Axillary web syndrome, or cording, may happen after breast surgery, particularly if it involves sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection. A tightness can develop in the armpit and along the inside of the arm that often feels or looks like a ‘cord’. This can extend into your hand or along the ribs. Cording can be painful but can be resolved. It’s important to continue to move, and gently stretch. See an experienced physiotherapist or lymphoedema therapist. They can give you some range of movement exercises and may be able to help release the cording with massage or low-level laser therapy.
4. Joint aches or pains
Whether from initial treatment, surgery, on-going medication or menopause (or all of those), joint aches and pains are a side effect that many people aren’t prepared for. The mantra ‘movement is medicine’ may be true, but pushing through or ignoring pain can cause more problems.
Talk to someone who’s appropriately qualified and experienced, like an accredited exercise physiologist If you don’t have one in your area, many do telehealth. There are other allied health professionals that can help too, including physiotherapists, acupuncturists or oncology masseurs. That’s not to say you need to see them all. Find what’s right for you. Some allied health costs can be subsidised as part of a Chronic Disease Management Plan – talk to your GP.
5. Dry/fragile vagina
Menopause, whether natural or induced by treatment for breast cancer, can result in the skin of the vagina and vulva getting thinner and drier. This is known as vaginal atrophy, or more recently genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It means sex can be painful and can increase your risk of UTIs (as well as your need to pee). Hormonal treatments are available, but this must be discussed with your doctor as it may not be appropriate for you.
'You wouldn’t go down a slide without any water', Sonya Lovell, Menopause Mentor.
Lubes, moisturisers and dilators can help. Try to avoid irritation: wear undies made of natural fibres and use products that don’t contain irritants like perfumes or powders. Sexual arousal can also help keep the vagina and vulva healthy as it increases blood flow but take care not to hurt yourself or cause pain and use plenty of lube.
Watch our Instagram Live with Menopause Mentor, Sonya Lovell, who talks all about dry/fragile vaginas.
6. Fertility
Some treatments for breast cancer can affect fertility, either temporarily or permanently. There’s lot to consider and it’s important that you have a conversation with your oncology specialist about how treatment may impact your fertility and reproductive health.
Watch our Instagram Live with fertility specialist Dr Violet Kieu from the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne.
7. Bone density
Bone densitycan be reduced by some breast cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy, or early menopause induced by treatment or surgery. This can increase your risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis.
Weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone density, and an accredited exercise physiologist will be able to put together a personalised program for you. Eat a diet that includes foods with a high calcium content and ensure you’re getting adequate vitamin D. You can have your bone density checked with a DXA or DEXA test. If you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, speak to your GP or a qualified dietician.
Read about treatment induced menopause and how you can prepare for surgical menopause, including supporting your bone health.
Read about other long term common mental and psychological side effects of breast cancer treatment and how you can deal with them.
Read our interview with Medical Oncologist, Dr Sanjeev Kumar, about what to expect once treatment for breast cancer ends.
This content is brought to you in partnership with Eli Lilly Australia and developed independently by the team at Pink Hope.
