Telling a new relationship about your breast cancer diagnosis brings about feelings of uncertainty and fear that you will not be accepted. You may feel self-conscious about the physical changes in your body and are fearful of rejection once your date or future mate becomes aware of your breast cancer disease and the bodily changes that have occurred throughout your treatments. If this person rejects you, this is not a person that you would want to spend quality time with, so move on and keep your options open and enjoy the dating experience.

If you are single and have had breast cancer, you may find it difficult to tell a date or a new relationship that you are a breast cancer survivor or struggle with when you should tell and how much you should tell about your breast cancer. If you have had a lumpectomy, this may not affect you the same way as telling a potential mate that you have had a mastectomy with reconstructive surgery.

Some women struggle with feelings that they may not be desirable to their date. Many women struggle with their body image after breast surgery. It is important to feel comfortable with the changes your body has gone through before sharing this with someone with whom you have a special relationship. It is wise to tell someone before being intimate so that you can prepare yourself and your potential mate. Accepting yourself as you are is really the first step in achieving intimacy with your loved one. Look in the mirror to become familiar with your body and its changes, examine the scars on your chest, and work on getting back a positive view of yourself.

Be good to yourself and buy some fancy lingerie to help you feel that sense of inner beauty in your outward appearance. If you have prosthesis, you may want to keep your clothes on at first and gradually work your way into not needing any coverings or “props.” What works for you will work for your partner.