Breast Cancer Recovery Blog
Bridging the Gap: Supporting Every Woman on Her Breast Cancer Recovery Journey
Written by Samantha James
When a woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis, her world changes instantly. Beyond the physical treatments and procedures, she faces emotional upheaval, fear, and uncertainty that can last long after active treatment ends. Research shows that up to 60% of women experience ongoing fatigue, pain, or emotional distress for years after treatment (Harrington et al., 2021). The truth is, recovery is rarely linear—and for many, it extends far beyond the hospital walls.
Why movement and lifestyle matter after breast cancer
For years, women were told to rest during and after treatment. But growing evidence shows that safe, structured movement can play a vital role in healing. Regular exercise—tailored to the individual—helps to ease fatigue, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and lower the risk of recurrence by up to 50% (Holmes et al., 2005; McTiernan, 2019). It also improves mental wellbeing, restoring a sense of control and hope when so much has felt out of one’s hands.
Movement also helps manage long-term complications such as scar tissue tightness, lymphoedema, neuropathy, and joint stiffness. When guided carefully, gentle strength and mobility work can relieve restriction, support posture, and reconnect women with their bodies in a safe, compassionate way.
The emotional side of recovery
Healing is not just physical. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress are common but often overlooked. In some studies, up to one-third of breast cancer survivors report ongoing emotional distress five years after diagnosis (Avis et al., 2015). This is why recovery support must include the emotional and behavioural as much as the physical.
Behaviour change and self-compassion are key parts of this process. Rebuilding routines, finding motivation, and learning to trust the body again all take time. Many women describe feeling disconnected from their pre-cancer identity—struggling with confidence, self-image, and a sense of belonging in their own skin.
The value of holistic, personalised care
True healing requires a whole-person approach. Research supports combining exercise, nutrition, bodywork, and behavioural coaching to address both physical and psychological recovery (Cramer et al., 2017). Massage and soft tissue work can ease pain, release scar tension, and calm the nervous system, while guided movement and nutrition education help restore vitality and balance.
Through The Coastal Health Compass method, I bring these elements together in a safe, flexible, and person-centred way—helping women recover not only physically, but emotionally and energetically. My work focuses on restoring confidence, reducing pain and stiffness, improving energy, and helping each woman feel rooted again in her body.
Recovery as an ongoing journey
The five years following breast cancer treatment can bring challenges many don’t anticipate—hormonal shifts, nerve changes, digestive issues, and fatigue can all persist. But with the right guidance and pacing, the body can continue to adapt, strengthen, and heal.
Whether a woman is six months or six years post-diagnosis, it’s never too late to restore movement, rebuild resilience, and find emotional steadiness again. Healing is not about perfection—it’s about progress, patience, and support.
If you’re navigating this stage of recovery and want to explore ways to reconnect with your body through movement, bodywork, and personalised health coaching, I welcome you to reach out for an informal chat. Together, we can create a path that feels safe, achievable, and grounded in evidence-based care.
References:
Holmes, M.D. et al. (2005). Physical activity and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. JAMA, 293(20), 2479–2486.
McTiernan, A. (2019). Mechanisms linking physical activity with cancer. Nature Reviews Cancer, 19, 610–625.
Avis, N.E. et al. (2015). Mental health and quality of life among long-term survivors of breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 24(7), 812–818.
Cramer, H. et al. (2017). Integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment: a review. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 165(2), 321–339.
Harrington, C.B. et al. (2021). Long-term physical and emotional effects of breast cancer survivorship. Cancer Nursing, 44(4), E190–E198.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone—and that recovery, in all its forms, can be supported with care, compassion, and science-led guidance.
