After cancer – how Kim found her way back to her sexuality
Kim Höglund, a breast cancer survivor, discusses the impact of her diagnosis and treatment on her sexuality and intimate relationships.
In November 2022, Kim Höglund, a resident of Uppsala, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. This diagnosis came just a year and a half after she and her partner welcomed their first child, marking a significant turning point in her life. Kim reflects on how the diagnosis felt like a sudden halt to her life. She expresses disappointment that the healthcare system did not prepare her for the changes in her sexual intimacy that followed her cancer treatment, highlighting the emotional and physical toll such treatments can take on relationships.
As she navigated her recovery, Kim emphasizes the importance of feeling secure in one's body and rediscovering intimacy with her partner. She has engaged in efforts to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cancer survivors when it comes to sexuality and intimate relationships. Kim believes that healthcare providers should inquire about the impact of cancer on personal relationships, as this could help patients cope better with the emotional and relational aspects of recovery.
Currently, Kim is involved with the Breast Cancer Association in Uppsala and a new study at Uppsala University focusing on sexuality and intimacy post-cancer. Her personal journey has become a mission to advocate for better communication from health professionals regarding the changes that can occur in the aftermath of cancer, emphasizing that discussions about sexuality should be an integral part of the care process.