A new wave of research is highlighting survivorship beyond tumor control—focusing on sexual health, holistic symptom management, and lifestyle choices such as exercise and diet. The 2024 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium dedicated a session to these quality-of-life issues, signaling a shift in how clinicians, researchers, and advocates address daily life for breast cancer survivors worldwide, including in Thailand.
This matters for Thai readers because breast cancer remains among the most common cancers in women, and survivorship is improving thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. Data from Thailand’s health authorities show more women living years beyond diagnosis, which elevates the importance of quality-of-life considerations. The symposium’s emphasis on sexual wellbeing, supplements, and exercise offers practical guidance, but also underscores the cultural and clinical challenges of discussing these topics in medical and social settings.
The session, titled “Sex, Drugs, Rock and Roll,” explored daily-life issues often neglected in standard cancer care. A senior moderator from a leading cancer center described the goal as presenting the benefits—and potential drawbacks—of several modifiable factors. As survivors cope with pain, fatigue, or nausea, or undergo deep shifts in sexual identity, the need for open dialogue across genders, ages, and cultures becomes clearer.
Sexual health emerged as a multi-faceted issue for survivors. It encompasses physical symptoms such as vaginal dryness and pain from endocrine therapy, as well as emotional and mental impacts. An oncologist from a renowned cancer institute noted that questions about intimacy yield more disclosure than questions about intercourse alone, illustrating the hidden nature of the topic. A study highlighted at the symposium showed that women’s perception of their chest as part of their sexuality declined dramatically after mastectomy without reconstruction. Interventions like vaginal moisturizers, topical anesthetics, and relationship counseling were cited as helpful, reinforcing the idea that every survivor deserves a fulfilling sex life after cancer.
Holistic approaches to managing symptoms—such as certain supplements and cannabis—also drew attention. An expert from a major cancer center cautioned that while some supplements may provide relief (for example, ginger for nausea or lavender for anxiety), others can be risky or interfere with treatment. Certain substances may increase bleeding risk or counteract therapies that rely on oxidative stress. The panel highlighted a gap in communication: in a U.S. study, many patients used cannabis but only a minority disclosed it to their doctors. Thai clinicians and survivors face similar barriers due to legal and cultural sensitivities, making open discussion even more essential.
Current guidelines from the American Society of Clinical Oncology suggest cannabis may be considered as an add-on for controlling nausea and vomiting in specific cases, but not for pain or overall cancer outcomes. For many supplements, including aloe vera for skin reactions or certain nutrients for nerve pain, evidence remains mixed or uncertain. The practical takeaway is universal: talk with your oncologist before trying any holistic or herbal remedy, and share information about supplement or cannabis use without fear of judgment.
Exercise is now recognized as a potentially life-saving component of breast cancer treatment. Research pooling data from multiple studies indicates that meeting national guidelines for physical activity—at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly—can substantially reduce mortality and lower recurrence risk. Even modest activity increases yield meaningful gains. This finding resonates in Thailand, where urban lifestyles and rising sedentary behavior pose challenges for public health.
Diet also plays a critical role. Diets rich in quality fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are associated with lower breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. While alcohol is linked to a higher risk of developing the disease, its effects after a diagnosis require further study.
For Thai survivors, these insights arrive amid growing interest in integrative medicine, traditional herbs, and a booming wellness sector. Yet access to reliable information remains uneven, and many patients feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health and holistic therapies with doctors—a trend observed worldwide. Thai society traditionally tends to be reserved about intimacy, which can hinder open conversations even within families.
Looking ahead, these findings are likely to influence Thailand’s medical community, patient support networks, and survivorship guidelines. Hospitals across Bangkok and the provinces are expanding survivorship clinics and multidisciplinary teams—including physical therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists—to treat the patient as a whole. Non-profit groups and survivor networks are beginning to offer peer counseling on sexuality and body image, signaling a gradual cultural shift.
What does this mean for Thai patients and families today? Start conversations with your medical team about sexuality, diet, exercise, and alternative therapies—no topic should be off-limits. Track physical activity and set small, achievable goals. When considering supplements or herbal products, consult your doctor and disclose all use. If intimacy challenges arise, explore medical and counseling options; no one should endure in silence.
For Thai policymakers and community leaders, the emerging evidence underscores the need for culturally sensitive discussions about sexual health, safe supplement use, and healthy lifestyles for cancer survivors. National cancer strategies should emphasize survivorship care that centers the patient’s holistic well-being, alongside early detection and treatment.
If readers want more information, practical guidance is available through professional guidelines on lifestyle and survivorship developed by oncology associations. In Thailand, resources are offered by major hospital breast clinics and national health agencies that provide patient-centered survivorship information.
By fostering honest dialogue, staying active, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking help without shame, Thai breast cancer survivors can look forward to longer, better lives.