1. 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

2. Meet Jayne
• Mid-40s, married with kids
• Found lumps but waited 6 months to tell anyone
• Why? Many fears
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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. 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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7. Knowledge is Power:
Understanding How to Manage Fear
• Caring relationship support
• Keeping breast cancer in
perspective
• Knowledge and
communication
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8. 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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