The Impact of Breast Cancer Trauma after Treatment

Breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and fear of recurrence can be deeply traumatic. Studies show that 1 in 3 survivors experience PTSD-like symptoms which often intensify after treatment ends.

During treatment, I was in survival mode. I was focused on my many appointments, side effects, and getting through each day. 

But after chemo and surgery, the weight of everything I’d been through—and the fear of recurrence—finally hit.

That fear is one of the most common and lasting effects of breast cancer. 

The thing that has helped me the most has been connecting with other survivors. Research even shows peer-to-peer support can ease trauma more effectively than reassurance from those who haven’t lived it, and I couldn’t agree more.

The fear and trauma may linger, but having other pink sisters to talk with and walk through the journey with you really does make each step a little easier. 💖

Sources: National Cancer Institute & PubMed

#factfriday