Adjusting to changes in your body after cancer
A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can bring physical and emotional changes that may affect how you feel about yourself. You may notice changes in your appearance, how your body works, or your confidence in social situations. These feelings are common and can affect people of any age, gender, or cancer type.
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people feel self-conscious about visible changes, while others may struggle with changes that are not obvious to those around them. These concerns can affect self-esteem, relationships, wellbeing, and day-to-day life.
Remember that support is available, and there are practical ways to help you adjust and feel more comfortable and confident in your body again.
Changes to your appearance and body
Cancer treatments can cause a range of temporary or permanent changes. Some may be visible to others, while others may only be noticeable to you.
Visible changes can include:
- Hair loss, including hair on your head, eyebrows, eyelashes, or body.
- Changes to your skin and nails.
- Scarring or changes following surgery.
- Living with a stoma following bowel or bladder surgery.
- Changes after surgery affecting speech, such as removal of the voice box (larynx).
- Weight loss or weight gain.
- Lymphoedema (swelling of an arm, leg, or another part of the body).
- Changes to your mouth, teeth, or gums.
- Changes that affect how you eat, speak, breathe, move, or maintain balance.
Changes that may not be visible
Some of the effects of cancer and its treatment are not immediately noticeable to others but can still have a significant impact on how you feel.
These may include:
- Infertility or early menopause.
- Reduced sex drive or changes in sexual function.
- Ongoing fatigue or reduced physical strength.
- Changes in bladder or bowel function.
- Altered sensation, such as numbness or tingling after surgery or chemotherapy (peripheral neuropathy).
Coping with body image concerns
It is natural to experience a range of emotions as you adjust to changes in your body. You may feel less confident, anxious about social situations, or concerned about how others perceive you. Some people find that these changes affect their sense of identity, femininity, masculinity, or gender expression.
Talking about these feelings can help. Your cancer team, support services, family, friends, or local support groups can provide advice and reassurance. Many people find that confidence grows over time as they adapt to the changes they have experienced.
These organisations can support you to gain your confidence again;
- Changes to your appearance and body image
- A leading cancer support charity – Look Good Feel Better – Look Good Feel Better workshops available in Brighton, Worthing and Chichester
- Wigs and Hairpieces for Men, Women and Children – Aderans have a shop in Hove, East Sussex and also see patients once a month in Worthing Hospital. Ask your Cancer Support Worker to book you an appointment.
- Treloggan Wigs: Treloggans are based in Portsmouth and have 36 years of experience. They can help guide you to find the best alternative hair to suit your needs. Strictly by appointment please contact Natalie 023 9266 2156, email [email protected].