Online Reporter
Disability Issues
Dr Christine Peta
This week, we are focusing on the often-overlooked link between disability and the sexuality of young women with breast cancer.
Many people still hold the outdated view that a cancer diagnosis is an automatic death sentence.
Consequently, some young women with breast cancer may engage in unsafe sexual behaviours in a bid to maximise fulfilment through sexual relations before they pass away.
In some instances, young women with breast cancer may resort to risky sexual behaviour in an attempt to feel “normal” or “alive” after their diagnosis.
Some begin to worry about body image, feeling unattractive or “less feminine”, especially after breast cancer surgery or treatment.
This insecurity can drive them to seek validation through risky sexual encounters.
Additionally, some young women with breast cancer may develop a profound fear of rejection. This can lead them to engage in unsafe sexual practices in an effort to maintain relationships or avoid abandonment, even when it compromises their health and well-being.
Such practices increase their exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV infection.
The health risks are significant, potentially leading to long-term disabilities.
Advanced HIV can lead to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).
These are a spectrum of cognitive impairments caused by the impact of the virus on the brain.
When young women with breast cancer also live with HIV, the interaction between these two conditions can intensify disability in profound ways.
STIs can lead to serious neurological complications, including brain infections (for example, herpes encephalitis) and permanent brain damage.
Syphilis, if untreated, can progress to neurosyphilis, causing paralysis, blindness or young-onset dementia.
Engaging in unprotected sexual activity that leads to teenage or unintended pregnancies — particularly among high-risk groups such as young women with both breast cancer and disabilities — can result in serious long-term health issues.
These may include chronic pelvic floor dysfunction, impaired mobility and childbirth-related injuries or complications like obstetric fistula.
Some young women with breast cancer may resort to drug and substance abuse as a way of coping with fear and uncertainty.
This often results in unsafe sexual practices or being in dangerous environments that can lead to accidents or injuries causing disability.
While Breast Cancer Awareness Month is often marked by the colour pink — a powerful symbol of solidarity, hope and advocacy — we must realise that raising awareness alone is not enough.
There is a need to take real, compassionate action that prevents sexuality-related disabilities in young women with breast cancer.
Encourage screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and drug and substance abuse among young women with breast cancer, as this is a vital step in preventing disability.
Also, we need to help young women with breast cancer navigate healthcare systems and access sexual and reproductive health services and rehabilitation if disability has occurred.
Likewise, there is need for promotion of sexual health education through sharing resources on the intersection of breast cancer and safe sex, STI and HIV prevention, and contraception.
Peer support groups, where young women with breast cancer can share their experiences without stigma, must be established in both rural and urban communities.
Adults who get involved must position themselves as trusted listeners, using non-judgemental language to validate feelings and thus create safe spaces for dialogue.
We all need to realise that a breast cancer diagnosis is not a death sentence.
Advances in early detection, treatment and support mean that breast cancer is increasingly survivable, especially when detected early.
With regular screenings, access to care and emotional support, thousands of young women diagnosed with breast cancer go on to live full, vibrant lives.
Let October be more than a month of the pink colour, but a movement of courage, care and change that prevents risky sexual behaviours and disability among young women with breast cancer.
Dr Christine Peta is a disability, public health, policy, international development and research expert. She can be contacted on: [email protected]
