Thursday 17 May 2018
Susan Long – ÐÇ̽Â鶹's
Cancer and its treatments can bring about many physical changes.
These changes can affect both how you look and how you feel about yourself. You may be finding your confidence and self esteem are affected.
The information on this page will help you to find out more about the possible impact on your self image, and ways to manage the changes, during and after cancer treatment.
Self image is how you feel about yourself: your body, appearance, and who you are as a person. It includes your perception of how others see you. When cancer is diagnosed, your self image may change.
Cancer and its treatments can often change how we look, which in turn affects how we see ourselves (body image).
The cancer itself may cause physical changes. In addition, treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy may cause temporary (or, in some cases, permanent) changes to your body.
These can include scarring or loss of part of the body, hair loss, weight changes, rashes, stomas, and changes in levels of strength and mobility. It is normal to feel anxious and self aware as changes occur.
It takes time for our minds to adjust to way we might look during and after treatment.
New scars and changes in your appearance can leave you feeling upset, tearful, angry and frustrated. Feeling less confident about how you look can make you feel anxious about what others think. You may feel less comfortable in social and intimate situations for a time.
Emotionally, you can sometimes feel low in mood, anxious or depressed. You may be grieving the old ‘you’, and not feel able to find your new post cancer identity.
Not everyone feels this way, and some people find they adapt to the new situation more easily than others. There is no right or wrong here.
There are things you can do to help manage how you’re feeling. Here are some useful tips:-
If you’re feeling low in mood, anxious or depressed about your self image, discuss your concerns with your doctor or specialist nurse. They can reassure you about the changes, if they are temporary, and guide you to appropriate counselling and support.
Talk with others about what you are experiencing. It can help to hear that what you’re feeling is not unusual, and help you feel less alone. Call into your local ²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s to connect with our cancer support specialists and others in a similar position to yourself.
Last review: Nov 2021 | Next review: Nov 2022
Find out more about free confidence boosting makeover tutorials and workshops held at venues across the UK including ÐÇ̽Â鶹 centres.
From Look Good Feel Better
Last reviewed: 22 December 2021
Tips, support and workshops for men to help them with skin care and make the most of their appearance during and after treatment for cancer.
From Look Good Feel Better
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Tips for adjusting and improving your body image when it is affected by cancer.
From Livestrong (Us)
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Managing changes to self image after treatment for cancer.
From National Cancer Institute (Us)
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Managing changes to how you look, how your body works and how you feel as a result of cancer.
From Teenage Cancer Trust
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Practical tips for managing emotions after cancer treatment including tips for carers.
From Goodreads
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
Information about managing changes to your body from cancer and its treatment.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 25 November 2021
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