Pink October is the month dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. There’s a lot of talk (thankfully!) about screening.

There’s much less talk about what comes after: the effects of treatments on intimacy, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence…

These topics are still taboo, even though they affect the daily lives of many women.

So why don’t we talk about them—gently?

Please read this first: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are currently undergoing treatment or follow-up care for breast cancer, discuss your symptoms with your healthcare team before taking any action.

Breast Cancer by the Numbers

61 000

Key statistic: In France, an estimated 61,000 new cases of breast cancer were reported in 2023. 80% occur in women over the age of 50. Good news: when detected at the earliest stage, breast cancer is curable in 87% of cases.

That is why organized screening is so important.

For women between the ages of 50 and 74, a mammogram is offered every two years, covered 100% by health insurance, and every image deemed normal is reviewed by a second radiologist.

Breast cancer primarily affects women, but it can also, more rarely, affect men.

Why Can Medical Treatments Affect Privacy?

Some breast cancer treatments, particularly hormone therapy, stop or reduce the production of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

The National Cancer Institute refers to this as “artificial” menopause. It can occur earlier and more abruptly than natural menopause.

However, estrogen plays a key role in the health of intimate tissues. When estrogen levels decrease, several effects may occur:

• • vaginal dryness, sometimes accompanied by irritation or itching;
  • pain during intercourse and a decreased sex drive;
  • urinary issues: more frequent urinary tract infections, a strong urge to urinate, or urinary incontinence.

Not everyone experiences these effects, nor do they all experience them with the same intensity. But if this is the case for you, know that it is neither “all in your head” nor inevitable.

What are some ways to feel better?

The first step is to talk about it.

→ Talk to your oncologist, gynecologist, primary care physician, or midwife. These topics are just as much a part of your health as the rest of your care.

There are several options to consider, which you can discuss with your healthcare team:

⇒ To treat vaginal dryness, the National Cancer Institute recommends using a water-based lubricant or a vaginal moisturizer.
⇒ Appropriate physical activity and relaxation techniques (breathing exercises, yoga) can help you better cope with the effects of treatment-induced menopause.
⇒ pelvic floor rehabilitation is one of the recommended approaches for genitourinary disorders related to hormonal decline: pelvic floor strengthening, biofeedback, etc. It is performed by a physical therapist or a midwife, always in consultation with your medical team.

Our expertise: At Sugar International, our line of rehabilitation catheters was designed by a therapist specializing in urogynecology. For 30 years, we have been supporting professionals who help their patients regain comfort and confidence.

In conclusion

Pink October is first and foremost about screening: if you’re between the ages of 50 and 74, don’t forget to get your mammogram!

And for those who are going through or have gone through breast cancer, your intimate health deserves care, too.

Dryness, pain, leakage… These symptoms are common, as many women report, and solutions are available.

You’re not alone 💗

⇒ To learn more, (re)read our article “The Perineum: Definition, Role, and Importance for Health ⬈ ,“ and our article on menopause ” The Perineum and Menopause: Understanding and Providing Proper Support ⬈ ”