💛 A powerful conversation on metastatic breast cancer & intimacy
We wanted to share a powerful podcast that explores something many people experience but don’t always feel able to talk about openly, intimacy while living with metastatic breast cancer. In this Mamamia Well episode, our 2026 Pink Bun Campaign Ambassador Emily shares her journey from being diagnosed at 26 to now living with metastatic breast cancer. She speaks with honesty and vulnerability about how cancer has impacted her body, her relationships, and her sense of identity. From early menopause and financial stress to intimacy, marriage and navigating other people's expectations, she speaks candidly about the challenges of living with a disease that has no cure. What makes this conversation so powerful is the way it creates space for real, human experiences 💛 the shifts in intimacy and connection 💛 the emotional and physical changes that can feel hard to explain 💛 the importance of communication, understanding and compassion It’s a reminder that these challenges are not something you have to carry alone. 🎧 If this feels relevant to you, you can listen here: https://www.mamamia.com.au/podcasts/well/metastatic-breast-cancer-emily-harrison-suhr-intimacy/ 🤍 As always, there is no “right” way to navigate this. Your experience is valid, and it’s okay for things to look and feel different. 💬 If you feel comfortable, you’re very welcome to share your thoughts below. What has helped you navigate connection, closeness or communication during this time?The Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some more groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.The Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Work and Breast Cancer – For anyone juggling treatment, recovery, and career. Share tips, vent frustrations, and find support. 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.
New Podcast on The Impact of Breast Cancer on Sexual Health: Physical Changes, Lubrication, Pleasure
Hello everyone, Today we launched our new podcast episode on The Impact of Breast Cancer on Sexual Health: Physical Changes, Lubrication, Pleasure. We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about the impact of breast cancer on sexual health. Sex and intimacy are very personal but important parts of life. Breast cancer and treatment can affect sexual wellbeing and intimacy for each person and their partner in different ways, including experiencing loss of self-esteem due to physical changes to your body. Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Tess Devèze (they/them). Tess is a clinical occupational therapist (OT) and certified somatic sexologist who works with people living with cancer, chronic illness, and disability to live more pleasurable and sexually healthy lives. Tess was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago and has personally experienced the severe impacts treatments have on sexuality. Being a member of the LGBTIQ+ community, a sexuality clinician and a cancer survivor has given them the determination to offer support and help to as many as they can around those more ‘intimate’ challenges we face. We’ll hear from Tess on their lived and professional experience about the impact of breast cancer treatment on libido, arousal, desire, vaginal changes and sexual intercourse. We also learn about effective ways to restore and enhance intimacy and what options are available to help you manage the impact of treatment on your sexual wellbeing. For more information and to listen to the podcast, please click here.
Popping into groups
Hi everyone just a reminder that all groups get new members and it is great if you can pop into the group and check on new posts and reply if you can help with the private groups you are members of... Lets talk about Vaginas Christians Diagnosed with BC Choosing Breast Reconstruction EtcPermission to speak: Giving older adults a voice in teaching health professionals how to communicate
I found this in my emails and I thought there are a few of us over 60 on here .... https://unesurveys.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ADkd4AQZFYCj7n Are you over 60 ? then this might interest you... Permission to speak: Giving older adults a voice in teaching health professionals how to communicate about intimate matters Our sexuality changes as we age - but we know that many people in their 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond wish to remain sexually active. We also know that health conditions and medications can affect sexuality and cause sexual problems. But it can be hard to find reliable, accurate information - especially if it's hard to talk to your health professional! Alison Rahn - who spoke recently at the COTA NSW 50 Shades of Greying forum - is the lead researcher in a new study funded by the Australian Association of Gerontology. The outcome of this research will be training materials for health professionals to improve their communications skills with older people around sex and sexuality. Alison is looking for people to participate in an anonymous online survey, which will take between 20 and 30 minutes to answer. Your participation will be completely anonymous. You don't need to provide your name or any identifying details. You don't have to participate - but your anonymous participation will help to make sure that health professionals have the skills and tools to have good discussions with older people about sex and sexuality - which is a win for everyone.
