Counseling
Learn more about how oncology social workers can help you cope with a cancer diagnosis.
Resource Navigation
Learn more about how CancerCare Resource Navigation can help you address barriers to care.
Connect Education Workshops
Listen in by telephone or online as leading experts in oncology provide up-to-date information about cancer-related issues in one-hour workshops. Podcasts are also available.
Podcasts
Mastectomy
- Updates in the Treatment of Estrogen Receptor (ER) Positive, Progesterone Receptor (PR) Positive and HER2 Positive Breast Cancer from the 46th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), Jan 17, 2024
- Updates from the 46th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) on Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Dec 19, 2023
- Living with Breast Cancer - 46th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dec 13, 2023
- Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment Updates, Oct 11, 2023
- Living with Breast Cancer – Updates from the 45th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), Dec 14, 2022
- Metastatic Breast Cancer: Treatment Updates, Oct 12, 2022
- HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: What’s New in Treatment & Quality-of-Life, Jun 29, 2022
Publications
Read or order our free Connect booklets and fact sheets offering easy-to-read information about the latest cancer treatments, managing side effects and coping with cancer.
For Any Cancer Diagnosis
For Breast Cancer
- Mastectomy and Lumpectomy: Understanding Your Treatment Options
- Newly Diagnosed African American Women: What You Need to Know
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
For Metastatic Breast Cancer
- Mastectomy and Lumpectomy: Understanding Your Treatment Options
- Newly Diagnosed African American Women: What You Need to Know
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
For Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Newly Diagnosed African American Women: What You Need to Know
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
- Treatment Update: Breast Cancer With Highlights From the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium
Financial Assistance
Limited assistance from CancerCare is available to help with cancer-related costs.
Ask CancerCare
Every month, featured experts answer your questions about coping with cancer including specific answers to questions asked by caregivers.
For Breast Cancer
- Q.
I'm 43 years old, married and going to have a mastectomy. I'm insecure about how my body is going to look and being intimate with my husband. How can I maintain my femininity and a positive body image?
A.When it comes to changes in our bodies, no matter what a woman’s age, those changes will challenge how we see ourselves and our perception of how others see us. This can be especially true for women who have had a mastectomy or bilateral surgery since images in the media so often place a heavy emphasis on how women look. Breast reconstruction has helped many women redefine their feelings about the loss of a breast. You might want to consult with a plastic surgeon about what options are available to you. For women who do not choose reconstruction, the use of a breast prosthesis can be a good alternative. A prosthesis can give a look of symmetry; many of the newer prostheses are made of a lighter weight material and come in special forms that can be used in swimwear and night gowns. It’s important to recognize that this is a loss, and with loss comes grief. Remember that it will take time to adjust and it’s a good idea to reach out for support and guidance during this time.
Treatment for breast cancer such as chemotherapy or hormonal blockers may also have side effects that can produce early menopause, vaginal dryness, and a diminished desire for intimacy. Talking with your doctor about products that can reduce symptoms of dryness or discomfort can help. Opening a conversation about your concerns with your partner is an important first step. Many people don’t understand the actual physical basis for diminished desire and feel they are being rejected.
How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond (Rodale Inc.), by Mark Silver, is one book you and your partner might find helpful. In addition, you may try contacting Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
- Q.
I'm trying to prepare myself mentally about having a mastectomy. I don't think I would ever want to look at my body again, much less expect my significant other to ever find me attractive. Not sure what to do...
A.A surgery that removes part of you is a loss and must be honored with mourning and grief. A loss changes you but also can make you more aware of what you still have. Most people need time to get used to the scars on their body. With patience and caring, couples do enjoy being intimate again. The following suggestions may help:
- Keep a journal in which you can freely express your thoughts and write down all of your feelings, both good and bad.
- Reach out to your loved ones. Let them know what kind of physical affection and comforting you need.
- Give yourself credit. Practice praising yourself about any of the things you like about yourself, such as your intelligence, your faith, your laugh, your kindness and other positive qualities.
- Be generous to yourself. Give yourself little gifts that give you pleasure such as a new book of poems, a massage, or a spa product.
- Take relaxing baths. Use music, candles, or flowers to enhance the experience.
- Adorn the new you. Get new make-up that complements your best features. Choose clothing colors that match your current skin tone. Seek out programs such as Look Good, Feel Better to learn helpful tips.
- Join a support group of women who have similar concerns. CancerCare offers online and telephone support groups and our oncology social workers can help you locate face-to-face groups in your area.
- Share information with your partner. Communicating your feelings (and having your partner do the same) is very important as you go forward together.
For Triple Negative Breast Cancer
- Q.
I'm 43 years old, married and going to have a mastectomy. I'm insecure about how my body is going to look and being intimate with my husband. How can I maintain my femininity and a positive body image?
A.When it comes to changes in our bodies, no matter what a woman’s age, those changes will challenge how we see ourselves and our perception of how others see us. This can be especially true for women who have had a mastectomy or bilateral surgery since images in the media so often place a heavy emphasis on how women look. Breast reconstruction has helped many women redefine their feelings about the loss of a breast. You might want to consult with a plastic surgeon about what options are available to you. For women who do not choose reconstruction, the use of a breast prosthesis can be a good alternative. A prosthesis can give a look of symmetry; many of the newer prostheses are made of a lighter weight material and come in special forms that can be used in swimwear and night gowns. It’s important to recognize that this is a loss, and with loss comes grief. Remember that it will take time to adjust and it’s a good idea to reach out for support and guidance during this time.
Treatment for breast cancer such as chemotherapy or hormonal blockers may also have side effects that can produce early menopause, vaginal dryness, and a diminished desire for intimacy. Talking with your doctor about products that can reduce symptoms of dryness or discomfort can help. Opening a conversation about your concerns with your partner is an important first step. Many people don’t understand the actual physical basis for diminished desire and feel they are being rejected.
How to Help Your Wife (and Yourself) Through Diagnosis, Treatment and Beyond (Rodale Inc.), by Mark Silver, is one book you and your partner might find helpful. In addition, you may try contacting Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
Specialized Programs
CancerCare offers specialized programs to address specific populations and concerns.
Community Programs
Learn about and view the full calendar of our free community programs.
Coping Circle Workshops
Virtual educational and supportive workshops led by oncology social workers and qualified co-facilitators. These workshops cover numerous topics and are offered in English and Spanish.