I had a lumpectomy in 2022 and I have recently noticed that if I touch the nipple, it feels horrible. I have no pleasure sensation and it actually is uncomfortable and unpleasant when it is touched. Since the cancer, I have avoided my breasts. I don’t like them being touched at all. The change of sensation has only come on in the last few months. I have regular mammograms and I am cancer free so far but I’m concerned about the change in sensation. Is it a common thing or should I see my doctor? I’m scared all the time of the cancer returning.
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Hello Mrs Nelly
Thanks for your post. It sounds as if you’re having a difficult time with the change of sensation to your breasts since your lumpectomy in 2022. It’s also understandable to ask if these symptoms are common.
As healing takes place, discomfort and altered sensation are not uncommon. For some, they can persist, and we know this can affect quality of life.
You say you avoid touching your breasts and the feeling is unpleasant. We have some information in our booklet on Your body, intimacy and sex which you may find helpful to read.
Nearly everyone who has been treated for cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in being anxious about this. The uncertainty and fear of breast cancer returning is very real. At first, every ache or pain may frighten you, but most people find the anxiety lessens as the time goes on.
Some people may benefit from talking therapy, such as counselling, to explore ways of managing these worries and concerns. You can speak to your GP or treatment team about this. Mindfulness can also be helpful.
You may also find our Facebook Live session about coping with fear of recurrence helpful to watch.
Many people are surprised at how emotional they feel when their treatment finishes. Adapting to life after treatment can be difficult and often the need for information and support continues.
You may be interested in our resources that are particularly for those who have come to the end of their main hospital treatment. These are known as our Moving forward services and include our Moving Forward book and Moving Forward courses.
You may also be interested in getting support with Life after cancer.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at
someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org , so they can then match you to your volunteer.
It’s important to talk to your breast care nurse, or GP about how you are feeling so they can support you. They may be able to refer you to an appropriate specialist to discuss your concerns around intimacy.
You’re also welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form by ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
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