The Emotional Meaning of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common illnesses among women, but beyond the physical diagnosis, many researchers have explored its emotional dimension. From a psychosomatic perspective, breast cancer may reflect unresolved conflicts in areas like motherhood, caregiving, or emotional relationships.
Dr. Salomon Sellam, a leading expert in psychosomatics, explains that breast cancer often arises when a woman carries hidden guilt or resentment about not having cared enough for someone in her emotional “nest.” This can involve children, a partner, or even a maternal figure.
Laterality: Why the Side of the Body Matters
One key to understanding the emotional meaning of breast cancer is laterality—which side of the body is affected.
- Left breast (right-handed women): Linked to children and the maternal role.
- Right breast (right-handed women): Connected to partners, siblings, or father figures.
- Left-handed women: This relationship is reversed.
For example, a mother may develop cancer in the left breast after years of guilt about not protecting her child. Or a woman might face right breast cancer linked to unresolved conflicts with her spouse.
Emotional Healing as a Complement to Treatment
Understanding the psychosomatic roots of breast cancer does not replace medical care, but it can complement it. Becoming aware of repressed emotions and hidden conflicts allows women to begin a process of emotional release, forgiveness, and healing.
Therapies such as transgenerational work, biodecoding, or counseling can help uncover and transform these emotional wounds. As Dr. Sellam notes:
“Healing begins when the person recognizes the conflict within that has fueled the illness.”
Reflection for You
Breast cancer can be an invitation to look within and explore:
- Are there unresolved conflicts in your family history?
- Do feelings of guilt, loss, or overprotection weigh on your heart?
- Could releasing these emotions bring more balance to your healing journey?
Emotional awareness may not only support physical recovery but also strengthen relationships and lead to a more conscious, fulfilling life.
👉 If you want to dive deeper, Dr. Salomon Sellam’s book Diseases of the Breasts: Mastosis, Inflammation, Cyst, Nodule, and Cancer is an excellent resource.