RECOVERING SELF-ESTEEM

THE CHALLENGE OF OVERCOMING THE EFFECTS OF BREAST CANCER SURGICAL TREATMENT

Abstract

This article addresses the psychosexual implications of the surgical treatment of female breast neoplasia, more specifically of mastectomy and breast reconstruction. This work focuses on how such procedures may affect the self-esteem and the sexuality of women who are victims of breast cancer. We shall start with a brief historical background, and then we will discuss the role of breasts in the construction of femininity and finally, we show some surveys conducted on this great challenge faced by women.