Treatment for breast cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing. Many people benefit from adopting a healthier lifestyle. Eating well, being physically active and taking time out may help reduce stress and improve wellbeing.
You may find coping with body image and sexuality issues particularly difficult, and this may affect your emotions and relationships. Choosing a breast prosthesis or having a breast reconstruction may be an important step in your recovery. For more on this, see Living well after cancer.
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A/Prof Elisabeth Elder, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Dragana Ceprnja, Senior Physiotherapist and Health Professional Educator, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jan Davies, Consumer; Rosemerry Hodgkin, Consumer; Gillian Horton, Owner and Director, Colleen’s Lingerie and Swimwear, ACT; Ashleigh Mondolo, Clinical Nurse Consultant Breast Care Nurse, Mater Private Hospital South Brisbane, QLD; Dr Jane O’Brien, Specialist Oncoplastic Breast Cancer Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, VIC; Moira Waters, Breast Care Nurse, Breast Cancer Care WA; Sharon Woolridge, Consumer; Rebecca Yeoh, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
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Exercises after breast surgery
Learn exercises that can improve the movement of your arm and shoulder, and help get you back to your usual activities
Managing side effects
Learn about the different side effects cancer and its treatment can cause, and how to manage them