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 understandThis 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:You can find practical tools, exercises, and further support related to this episode here: https://www.life-aftercancer.co.uk/body-after-cancer-mindset-and-identityDisclaimerThe 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. Research, studies, and evidence mentioned throughout this episode can be found on our website: https://www.life-aftercancer.co.uk/body-after-cancer-mindset-and-identitySome references are linked to the speaker’s academic and clinical work, and we may continue to add further sources and reading over time.Connect with usSubscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/@life-aftercancerWebsite: https://www.life-aftercancer.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/life_aftercancer/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-after-cancerTimestamp:00:00 Welcome to Life after Cancer00:52 When your body feels different after cancer03:19 Stephanie’s cancer experience04:10 Common challenges after treatment06:28 Not trusting your body after cancer08:04 What mindset really means09:32 Mindset vs toxic positivity11:10 Feeling disconnected from your body15:02 Why the way we see our body matters17:13 Feeling isolated after treatment19:30 Finding people who understand23:18 How people describe their body after cancer27:05 When thoughts about your body feel unhelpful28:44 Starting small and rebuilding confidence31:24 Helpful mindsets after cancer34:14 “Say it, prove it, do it”37:47 Rebuilding trust in your body40:18 Mind and matter after cancer42:55 Self-compassion after treatment47:50 Quick reflections on life after cancer54:19 Final thoughts and support
