Detroit race to fight breast cancer, sexuality after mastectomy with tattooing

June 1, 9:18 PMDetroit Sex and Relationships ExaminerLena Drake

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Tattoos, symbols of strength throughout decades, can help you
reclaim your sexuality after a mastectomy.

Thousands in Detroit headed downtown this past Saturday for the 5K Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure. This celebrates the 18th year the race has occurred for the fight against breast cancer. Proceeds from the race went to both local and national screening, treatment, and education.

This, of course, turns my thoughts to the survivors of breast cancer. A woman's breasts are seen in our society as a strong symbol of her sexuality. After breast cancer (or being deemed "high risk" for breast cancer), a mastectomy (removal of the breasts, one or both) can be devastating to a woman, and to her sexuality.

Although options can include reconstruction of the breasts, areolas, and nipples, this surgery doesn't necessarily help survivors feel positive and sexual again.

According to a study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology: "Sexual pleasure was rated lower 1-year [after mastectomy] as compared with before operation", even with reconstructive surgery (Brandberg et al.). This is distressing, but not entirely surprising-- after a mastectomy, you may feel any combination of emotions about your body. Worried, uncomfortable, ashamed, disgusted, depressed, angry. These feelings can easily carry over to the bedroom, even with a trusted partner who still loves your body and wants you to love it, too. Casual dating may seem impossible.

Where you feel as though you're losing something beautiful, why not create something beautiful in its place, of your own accord, with your own unique design? Reclaim your own body?

"The tattoo changed my mastectomy scar into my shield," says Pam Huntley. Ms. Huntley and many women are choosing a more unconventional route after mastectomies-- tattoos.

Some facts about mastectomy scar tattooing:

• Unlike experiences of illness, tattooing allows you to control and make choices about your own body
• Tattooing over scars is not more painful than tattooing over other skin
• The scar can be incorporated into a design, or covered entirely
• Some women feel that reconstruction feels "fake", while a tattoo allows acceptance and strength
• Many feel that tattooing can be a very cathartic experience, instead of yet another surgery
• Tattooing in a reputable shop is very clean and safe

Any good tattoo artist will work with you on a custom design over a period of time. Carissa from The Crux is the best I've personally found, if you don't mind a long drive (Saugatuck, MI). In the Detroit area, Lady Luck Ink was rated the best of Detroit for several consecutive years.

To combat the saddening statistics about sexuality after mastectomy, tattoos and the accompanying beautiful design can make you feel sexier. Empowered rather than "damaged". Ready to show off instead of hide!

More information about mastectomy tattoos:

Triangle Tattoo: Mastectomy Tattoos

Dragonfly Ink: Scar Tattoos

Sources:

Brandberg et al., "Psychological Reactions, Quality of Life, and Body Image After Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Women At High Risk for Breast Cancer: A Prospective 1-Year Follow-Up Study". Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 24 (August 20), 2008: pp. 3943-3949.