Body Image Distortion and Intimacy Anxiety in Female Breast Cancer Survivors

From 2000 through to 2025, research has shown that breast cancer survivors can suffer from a variety of lasting effects — both physically and emotionally — that are far-reaching and go beyond the survivor's medical recovery. Studies conducted by researchers between 2000 and 2025 included 28 qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies. Each study found that physical changes to the breast (e.g., scarring, hair loss, body asymmetry) that occur due to surgery or radiation treatments hurt a survivor’s body image. The poor body image experienced by many breast cancer survivors can lead to anxiety when it comes to sexual activity and other forms of intimate contact. In addition, many survivors report low confidence regarding their bodies, a fear of being rejected by a sexual partner, difficulty experiencing orgasm and generally, difficulty engaging in sexual activities. In contrast, younger survivors tend to experience more psychological distress and strain in their relationships compared to older survivors who experience similar body changes resulting from cancer treatment. This suggests that age may influence how a survivor experiences the emotional aspects of body changes caused by cancer treatment. In summary, this review illustrates the need for culturally sensitive interventions, involve partners, provide help in addressing body image and relationship issues and do not focus solely on helping survivors manage their physical symptoms. These types of interventions can help reduce the survivor’s anxiety related to intimacy and improve the survivor's overall emotional and relational well-being during and after treatment.