They can take my BOOB, but they can’t take my PRIDE! - Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

Breast cancer is a deeply personal and challenging journey, not just for those who are diagnosed, but also for their families and friends.

While medical advancements have made significant strides in treating and managing breast cancer, stigma around the disease persists and affects patients at various stages of their cancer journey.

This blog post aims to shed light on the stigmas associated with breast cancer, both before and after surgery, and discuss how the physiotherapists at Fighting Fit can play a role in addressing these challenges.

Pre-Surgery Stigmas: Breaking the Silence

Before a patient even steps into the operating room, they often face a set of stigmas and misconceptions that can impact their mental and emotional well-being.

Fear and Anxiety:

It’s a natural reaction to be scared when you are told you have breast cancer. The mere mention of breast cancer will elicit strong emotional reaction, stuff you will never be prepared or ready for.

Many people still associate the diagnosis with severe suffering or even death, leading to heightened anxiety and fear. This can be compounded by societal expectations and stereotypes about femininity and beauty.

For instance, there’s a lingering stigma that a mastectomy—a surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts—will somehow make a woman less “womanly” or less attractive or the feeling they are not the same women they once were.

Misunderstanding the Diagnosis:

Often when someone are diagnosed with breast cancer they overthink every life decision they have ever made and attribute that to why they developed cancer. Be assured, that one time you ate Doritos for a month straight in college gave you cancer.

Yes – there are things that increase your risk of developing cancer in general. But as a rule cancer is the random multiplication of cells, at the end of the day it is no one’s fault.

There’s often a lack of understanding about breast cancer itself. Misconceptions about the disease’s progression, treatment options, and the likelihood of recovery which will create unnecessary anxiety. Some might see breast cancer as a result of a personal failure or blame the patient for their illness, rather than acknowledging it as a complex medical condition

Navigating Personal Relationships:

Patients may also struggle with how to communicate their diagnosis to family, friends, and colleagues. The fear of judgment or pity can make it difficult to open up about their condition.

This silence can isolate patients, leaving them to cope with their fears alone. This sucks.

On the other hand, as a friend or family member, you can feel useless. Like no matter how much you mean well, things may upset the individual or make them uncomfortable.

We want to help so bad – some of us may even wish that we could take the condition away if magic was real. This will naturally create a barrier in the relationship that you will have to navigate.

The most important thing is to be open and talk about how you are feeling and ask questions so you know how they would like to be supported, because no 2 people will want the same thing.

Post-Surgery Stigmas: Moving Beyond Recovery

After surgery, patients face a new set of challenges, often compounded by stigma.

Body Image and Self-Esteem:

Post-surgery changes, whether from a mastectomy or reconstructive surgery, can have a profound impact on body image. The societal emphasis on physical appearance and the idealized image of femininity can make it difficult for patients to feel comfortable in their own skin. This stigma can affect self-esteem and make it harder for patients to embrace their new bodies.

Recovery and Physical Limitations:

Breast cancer surgery and subsequent treatments often lead to physical changes and limitations, such as reduced mobility, pain, or scarring. There can be a stigma around discussing these physical challenges, especially if they interfere with one’s ability to perform daily activities or return to work.

Patients may feel pressured to downplay their discomfort or to “bounce back” quickly, which can hinder their recovery process. They say time heals all wounds, it will but each persons ‘time’ will vary in length and the roller coaster will be different for all.

Emotional and Psychological Impact:

The emotional toll of breast cancer and its treatment can be significant and it is extremely difficult to put into words if you’ve never gone through it yourself.

Feelings of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are common but not always openly discussed.

There is often a stigma surrounding mental health, making it harder for patients to seek the support they need. This can be exacerbated by societal expectations to remain positive or resilient throughout the recovery process.

The Role of Physiotherapy: Supporting the Journey

Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in addressing these stigmas and supporting patients through both pre-surgery and post-surgery stages.

Pre-Surgery Preparation:

As a physiotherapist, I can help patients prepare for surgery by providing education and support. This might include exercises to improve physical fitness, reduce anxiety, and manage pre-surgery pain. By addressing physical concerns and preparing patients mentally, physiotherapists can help reduce fear and anxiety surrounding the incumbent surgery.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:

After surgery, physiotherapists can assist with rehabilitation by focusing on:

Brenda Samosa

05:52 07 Nov 24

I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)

Cyana Ferguson

08:16 30 Oct 24

Steve Harris

22:33 15 Oct 24

Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue

Andrea Bell

05:33 19 Sep 24

These guys are the best in the biz 🎉

Ryan Brockett

04:20 18 Sep 24

Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!

Scotty

08:31 31 Jul 24

Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.

Riley Wilson

08:27 14 Jul 24

Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.

Megan Shelley

06:51 03 May 24

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!

Gina Matthews

08:41 24 Mar 23

Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much

Courtney Halse

01:36 29 Nov 22

Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!

Alli Davenport

08:07 04 Nov 22

After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's

Robert Parkinson

10:50 15 Aug 22

This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.

Kiri Canavan

07:30 08 Jun 22

Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Breast cancer is a deeply personal and challenging journey, not just for those who are diagnosed, but also for their families and friends.

Pre-Surgery Stigmas: Breaking the Silence

Post-Surgery Stigmas: Moving Beyond Recovery

The Role of Physiotherapy: Supporting the Journey

Breaking the Stigma Together

The Desk Worker’s Guide to a Pain-Free Neck

Hip Osteoarthritis: Why It Hurts and How Physio Can Help

The #1 Mistake Athletes Make After an Ankle Injury

The Secret to Beating Back Pain? Walk This Way!

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call 0402 938 661

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call 0402 938 661

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