Episode 04
How cancer changes your relationship with your body
After cancer treatment ends, your body can feel completely different.
You might feel frustrated by what it can and can’t do.
You might feel older, weaker, or disconnected from yourself.
And at the same time, you might also feel grateful for what your body has carried you through.
In this episode, Steph sits down with Stephanie Thomas, who shares her experience after treatment for triple negative breast cancer, alongside Dr Lauren Heathcote, Associate Professor of Health Psychology at King’s College London.
Together, they explore how cancer can change the way you see your body, and why that can shape everyday life after treatment.
Stephanie shares what it felt like when her body didn’t respond in the way she expected after treatment, including physical changes, early menopause, and the slow process of rebuilding trust in herself again.
Dr Lauren discusses research showing that many people hold two beliefs about their body at the same time - that it worked against them, and that it helped them get through cancer - and how these beliefs can shape fear of recurrence, pain, and how safe or unsettled someone feels in their body.
During the episode, we talk about:
- why your relationship with your body can change after cancer
- holding mixed feelings about your body after treatment
- learning to see your body as capable again
- small ways to support yourself after treatment
- the role of community and speaking to people who understand
This is a conversation about living in your body after cancer when things no longer feel the same, and finding your way through that.
Whether you’re navigating life after cancer yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers insight, reassurance, and a reminder that these experiences are more common than many people realise.
Useful links
How to harness helpful mindsets after cancer - Life after Cancer
Rebuilding body confidence after cancer - Life after Cancer
Importance of community - Life after Cancer
Help with the physical effects - Look Good Feel Better
Create a positive menopause experience - Life after Cancer
Habits to increase mental wellbeing - Life after Cancer
Changes to your appearance and body image - Macmillan
Spoon theory - fatigue management - Royal College of Occupational Therapy
Disclaimer
The information shared in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or notice any new or worsening symptoms, please contact your GP or your medical team.
Some of the research and evidence mentioned in this episode reflects the speaker’s academic and clinical work.
The research, studies, and evidence discussed in this episode can be found under the ‘References and Studies’ tab. Some references are linked to the speaker’s academic and clinical work, and we may continue to add further sources and readings as they become available.
Connect with us
Subscribe here: youtube.com/@life-aftercancer
Website: life-aftercancer.co.uk
Instagram: @life_aftercancer
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/life-after-cancer
This podcast shares experiences and perspectives on life after cancer.
It is not medical advice and cannot replace support from your healthcare team.
Some conversations may bring up strong feelings. If you need additional support,
consider reaching out to someone you trust, your GP, or your oncology team.
You can also find free online workshops, expert sessions, peer groups and
our 6 week programme at life-aftercancer.co.uk.