Self-Image and Cancer

Being diagnosed with and treated for cancer changes a person. Some of the changes are physical, such as hair loss or the removal of a breast. Some of the changes are emotional or mental, including lingering mental fogginess from chemotherapy, depression, or feelings of renewed appreciation for life. Some changes are temporary, such as blotchy skin, and others are permanent, such as surgical scars. All changes, however, affect a person's view of himself or herself in many different and important ways. Physical changes associated with cancer and cancer treatment

Treatment for cancer can be rigorous and may change a person's appearance. The cancer itself can cause physical changes, too, especially if it affects hormones, blood cells, or organs that can decrease energy levels or food absorption. Some of the more common physical changes of cancer include:

Hair loss (including hair on the head, face, arms, legs, underarms, and pubic area)
Changes in weight, either gain or loss
Changes in skin tone or color
Disfigurement from surgery

Many people report that fatigue or loss of energy is the most challenging aspect of cancer treatment. Severe fatigue can cause an individual to give up activities that he or she once enjoyed.

Mental and emotional changes associated with cancer and cancer treatment

At the time of a cancer diagnosis many people begin to think about death in a very personal way. The process of discovering one's mortality in addition to the emotional and mental changes accompanying cancer treatment can be life changing and sometimes frightening. It is not unusual for a person with cancer to experience the following emotions:

Anger
A feeling of lack of control
Sadness
Fear
Frustration
A change in the way one thinks about oneself and the future (including viewing one's self as a "cancer patient")

However, people with cancer have also reported positive changes in outlook including:

Appreciation for the resilience of their bodies
Peace
Gratitude
Awareness of the finiteness of life and therefore an appreciation for it
A shift in priorities

Dealing with self-image changes

When dealing with self-image changes, there are several things a person with cancer can do to retain a sense of control over the situation.

Discuss and plan for possible side effects. Many people with cancer anticipate hair loss by cutting their hair very short, for example, or even shaving it if it begins to fall out from treatment.
Enlist supportive people.
Ask for and accept help. Asking friends to babysit, hiring a housekeeper, or buying prepared meals helps to free up time to focus on healing.
Allow time to adjust. The process of learning to accept a cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment changes a person's life. It takes time to adjust to a new way of feeling about oneself or how one looks.
Talk to others who have been in similar situations. Many times, one-on-one conversations or support groups with people who have been in the same situation can provide understanding and hope.
Help one's children cope. Everyone dislikes being different, especially children. Research has shown that camps specially geared toward children who have or who have had cancer may meet important social and emotional needs.
Stay calm and embrace humor. Remember that personal qualities such as a sense of humor and honesty are highly valued by friends and family.
Ask for a referral to a psychologist or social worker if feelings of anxiety, isolation, or stress become overwhelming.
Stay active. Physical activity creates energy. Social activities are important in helping to focus on something other than cancer. Please read Cancer.Net Feature: Exercise and Cancer.
Reconstructive surgery, prosthetic devices, and cosmetic solutions can often help with many of the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment. However, no one should feel pressured to undergo reconstructive surgery if that is not his or her preference.

It takes time to adjust to change. This is true following a diagnosis of cancer, as we face our changing feelings about our bodies, our looks, our health, and ourselves. Give yourself time, accept help, and never lose sense of who you are.

Additional resources

American Cancer Society: Camps for Kids (Where children with cancer become kids again.)

American Cancer Society: Summer Camps (PDF)

American Cancer Society: "tlc" Tender Loving Care

Personal Care Products Council Foundation: Look Good...Feel Better

Personal Care Products Council Foundation: Look Good...Feel Better for Teens