The short answer
Cancer and its treatment can change the way your body looks and feels, and that can affect your self-image. These feelings are real, and it is okay to grieve them. With time and support, many people adjust, and staying active, trying hobbies, and getting help from others can all lift your spirits.
Cancer and its treatment can change how you look and how you feel about yourself.
Feelings of anger and grief about body changes are natural, and it is okay to feel sad.
You are not alone; many others have similar feelings and experiences.
With time and support from others, many people adjust and move forward.
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The full explanation.
When cancer changes how you see yourself
All of us have a mental picture of how we look, which is our self-image. We may not always like it, but we are used to it. Cancer and its treatment can change how you look and feel about yourself. Know that you are not alone in how you feel. Many others have similar feelings and experiences.
For many people, cancer treatment brings changes to the way the body looks and feels. Some of these changes are short-term, while others last longer. Issues you may face include hair loss, skin changes, scars from surgery, weight changes, loss of a limb, an ostomy, or loss of fertility.
Even if others cannot see them, your body changes may trouble you. These losses are real, and it is okay to feel upset about them. Feelings of anger and grief about changes in your body are natural. Changes in the way you look can also be hard for your loved ones, which in turn can be hard on you.
Ways to cope with body changes
Coping with body changes can be hard, but there are gentle steps that help.
- Mourn your losses and know it is okay to feel sad, angry, and frustrated. Your feelings are real, and you have a right to grieve.
- Seek help from a counselor. Ask your doctor or nurse to suggest someone you can talk to about your feelings.
- Focus on your strengths. Try to notice the ways coping with cancer has made you stronger, wiser, and more realistic.
- Care for skin changes. If your skin has changed from radiation or other treatments, ask your doctor about ways to care for it, or ask for a referral to a skin care expert.
- Look for new ways to enhance your appearance. A new haircut, hair color, makeup, or clothing may give you a lift. If you wear a wig, a salon can help shape and style it.
- Connect with others. Join a support group or talk with other patients for advice.
With the passage of time and getting help from others, many people adjust and move forward. And remember that some changes may be temporary.
How being active can help
Many people find that being active helps their self-image and the way they feel. If you have the energy, you might try walking, swimming, playing a sport, taking an exercise class, weight training, or gentle stretching and yoga.
Being active can reduce your stress and help you relax. It may also help you feel stronger and more in control of your body. Start slowly if you need to, and take your time. A trainer at your gym or a physical therapist can offer tips, and it is good to talk with your doctor about ways to stay active.
Trying hobbies or volunteer work
Hobbies and volunteer work can also improve your self-image and self-esteem. Think about what brings you comfort or joy. You might like to read, listen to music, do puzzles, garden, write in a journal, or do woodwork.
Volunteer work can be another way to take your mind off things. You could volunteer at a local agency or become a mentor or tutor. Many people find they feel better about themselves when they get involved in helping others and doing things they enjoy.
Getting the support you need
Changes in how you look and feel can bring feelings of loss and sadness. Talking with a counselor, alone or with a loved one, may help. Ask a nurse or social worker if you can talk to someone.
Coping takes time, and support makes it easier. Ask your health care team for resources and support groups that might help you, and be gentle with yourself as you adjust.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸Is it normal to feel bad about changes in my body after cancer treatment?
Yes. Cancer and its treatment can change how you look and feel about yourself, and you are not alone in how you feel. Feelings of anger and grief about body changes are natural. These losses are real, and it is okay to feel sad, angry, and frustrated.
▸Will these body changes last forever?
Some body changes are short-term, while others last longer. Either way, the way you look may be a big concern during or after treatment. Coping can be hard, but with the passage of time and help from others, many people adjust and move forward, and some changes may be temporary.
▸How can I cope with changes in my body?
You can mourn your losses and allow yourself to grieve, seek help from a counselor, focus on ways coping with cancer has made you stronger, look for new ways to enhance your appearance, and join a support group or talk with other patients for advice.
▸Can staying active help how I feel about myself?
Yes. Many people find that being active helps their self-image and the way they feel. Activities like walking, swimming, or gentle yoga can reduce stress, help you relax, and help you feel stronger and more in control of your body. Talk with your doctor about ways to stay active.
▸How can hobbies or volunteering help?
Hobbies and volunteer work can improve self-image and self-esteem. Things like reading, gardening, journaling, or crafts can bring comfort or joy. Many people find they feel better about themselves when they get involved in helping others and doing things they enjoy.
▸When should I talk to a counselor about how I feel?
If body changes are weighing on you, ask your doctor or nurse to suggest a counselor you can talk to about your feelings. Changes in appearance can bring feelings of loss and sadness, and talking with someone, alone or with a loved one, may help.
Questions to ask your doctor
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