Breast cancer also elicits concerns regarding a woman’s view of herself. Many treat- ments for cancer challenge a woman’s body image and sexuality (Oktay, 1998). “The systemic treatment of breast cancer with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy may also affect self-image, fertility, and libido—all important components of ‘femininity’” (p. 6). The combined effects of breast surgery, loss of hair, decreased libido, and early meno- pause constitute a serious threat to a woman’s self-image. In addition, as the rate of breast cancer has increased in younger women, issues of femininity arising from the impact of disease on fertility are increasingly important (Oktay, 1998)
