Quick Read

• The female friendship provides a powerful source of love, strength, and the support needed to keep on going, especially during your breast cancer healing journey.
• It’s also backed by science. A study from the journal Cancer found that women with strong social networks had higher survival rates compared to those who felt isolated.
• Your female friends remind you of your resilience, beauty, and worth, offering a safe space to heal and grow. Cherish them and find meaningful ways to show gratitude and grow them.

“I don’t even know what I would do without my women friends. I mean, it’s, I have my friends, therefore I am.” – Jane Fonda

“There’s nothing like a conversation with a woman that understands you. I grow so much from those conversations. I need my sisters.” – Beyoncé

“The best friendships are fierce lady friendships, where you aggressively believe in each other, defend each other, and think the other deserves the world.” – Sarah Michelle Gellar

“I don’t know what I would have done so many times in my life if I hadn’t had my girlfriends.” – Reese Witherspoon

In the vast tapestry of life, one thread that weaves the most vibrant colors is female friendship. They are so much more than outbursts of giggles and long talks—they’re lifelines, especially during challenging times like breast cancer treatment and recovery. Your friends are the ones who tell you, “It’s all going to be okay,” and then do everything in their power to make it so.

It’s known as the “Female Friendship Effect,” and the support, encouragement, and love are powerful forces for breast cancer healing. The same is true for close family relationships. However, this important “medicine” is sometimes put on the back burner, so this blog is a vital reminder to prioritize nurturing your friendships and keeping them close.

Because: Good friends are like a good bra: they are close to your heart, provide support, and lift you up!

The Healing Power of Female Friendship

Breast cancer is not just a physical battle; it’s an emotional, mental, and spiritual challenge. Another reason why the 7 Essentials System® also focuses on mind and soul healing. Numerous studies, including this one, highlight the importance of social support in improving health outcomes, particularly among women. Especially for breast cancer, this study from the journal Cancer found that women with strong social networks had higher survival rates compared to those who felt isolated.

Connection is rooted in our biology. When we bond with others, our brains release oxytocin—the “love hormone”—which lowers stress levels, reduces anxiety, and fosters feelings of trust and safety. This is especially crucial during breast cancer treatment when uncertainty and fear can feel overwhelming. A circle of women (friends and family) who understand, empathize, and uplift can provide a sanctuary of hope and resilience.

New Journeys and New Best Friends

If you’re feeling isolated or don’t have a close circle of friends, breast cancer can also be an opportunity to build new connections. Support groups, online forums, and community events bring together women who are going through similar experiences. These friendships, though new, can quickly become lifelines. It’s another reason why we offer group coaching programs (starting March 5th!) and online programs (Starting February 24th!) because the women in them are literally walking the same path. We also offer free Facebook groups that any woman can join: Heal Breast Cancer Naturally.

Connecting with others who understand your journey can provide a unique sense of comfort. Sharing tips, resources, and personal stories fosters solidarity and reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey. 

Emotional Support and Safe Spaces 

One of the most significant benefits of female friendships during breast cancer is emotional support. When facing treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, it’s normal to feel scared, angry, or even numb. Expressing these emotions without fear of judgment can be incredibly cathartic, especially if they are also the ones sitting next to you during the treatment under a cozy blanket. Breast cancer brings waves of emotions, and your close female friends are there to surf them with you. This kind of connection helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and creates a safe space for healing.

Encouragement to Keep Going

When you feel like it’s all becoming too overwhelming—the treatments, therapies, and doctor appointments all on top of your daily responsibilities—it’s easy to feel like giving up. During these moments, rely on your crew’s encouragement and practical support. Ask them to drive you to an appointment and then get lunch afterward or go on a walk to get some fresh air together. 

People want to support you, so let them. Tell them specific ways they can be part of your journey.

Critical Natural Medicine

As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. Amid the seriousness of breast cancer, moments of joy, connection, and fun are like a breath of fresh air and actual medicine. Stress spikes cortisol levels and puts your body in “fight or flight” mode. During this time, your brain literally “turns off” many functions of the immune system to send energy where it is needed for survival. This study found that 65% of advanced breast cancer patients had either consistently high or abnormally fluctuating cortisol levels. As expected, those with high cortisol levels also had fewer natural killer (NK) cells to ward off cancer.

Therefore, laughter is (one) of the best medicines since it reduces stress levels.  Whether it’s a rom-com movie night, a Zoom call with your besties across the country, or reminiscing about a funny memory, these moments of levity are vital for your overall well-being.

Being Understood

While non-female family members and partners may provide immense support, there’s something uniquely comforting about the understanding shared between women. Female friends often “get it” in ways others might not. They understand the complexities of body image issues, hormonal changes, family responsibilities, and the emotional toll of breast cancer. This shared understanding fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of isolation. Another beautiful benefit of our group coaching programs (starting March 5th!) and online programs (Starting February 24th!).

Female Friendship = A Lifeline of Love and Strength

Facing breast cancer is a deeply vulnerable experience, but it also has the power to strengthen relationships. Sharing your fears, hopes, and struggles with close friends often deepens the bond. In these moments of vulnerability, true connection is forged, and your friends become pillars of unwavering support. Don’t take that away from yourself or your friends by not letting them fully be there for you. 

Let them be the lifeline you truly need, especially during this time. Your female friends remind you of your resilience, beauty, and worth, offering a safe space to heal and grow. Cherish them and find meaningful ways to show gratitude and grow them. 

In the end, your female friends see you for who you truly are—not just as someone with breast cancer but as the amazing person you’ve always been.