We Can Change the Course of Breast Cancer

Looking at Intimacy and the Lingering Effects of Breast Cancer

Katherine Puckett, PhD, MS, MSW, LCSW

National Director of Mind-Body Medicine

Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in Illinois

© 2013 Rising Tide

Meet Jayne

• Mid-40s, married with kids

• Found lumps but waited 6 months to tell anyone

• Why? Many fears

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The stress of cancer can cause 1,400 chemical changes in the body!

• To the body, stress is a perceived threat to survival.

• When sustained over time, stress can decrease healing and survival rates.

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Unmanaged Fear and Stress: Impact all our Relationships

• Fear is a stressor – especially when prolonged

• Fear and stress impact

– Relationship with ourselves

– Relationships with others

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Women with Breast Cancer: Common Perceptions Activate Stress

• This cancer will take my life.

• It must be my fault. God is punishing me.

• Life as I knew it is over.

• My partner won’t be attracted to me any more.

• Treatment is dangerous and ineffective.

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Perceived Stressors: Real Threats or Not?

• Stress is not “out there.”

• It is our emotional response to something out there.

• Perceived stress often more impactful than actual stressors.

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Knowledge is Power: Understanding How to Manage Fear

• Caring relationship support

• Keeping breast cancer in perspective

• Knowledge and communication

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Remember Jayne

First-hand knowledge and experience of: • Facing fears in context of caring relationships

• Communicating openly with loved ones

• Practicing self-care and feeling better

• Feeling hopeful about her future

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