Cancer and cancer treatment can change your body. Changes in how your body looks, feels, and performs can affect your body image—how you perceive your body and feel about your appearance. Body image is closely tied to self-image and self-concept. Self-concept includes body image and an individual's perception of his or her personality, abilities, potential, values, and interests.

Common physical changes

Not all cancer treatments cause physical changes. Some do, and these changes may be temporary or permanent. Common physical changes associated with cancer and cancer treatment may include the following:

• Scars from surgery or loss of a body part
  
  
• Hair loss from radiation therapy or chemotherapy
  
  
• Weight changes, either gaining or losing too much
  
  
• Weakness or loss of stamina
  
  
• Decrease in physical skills such as athletic capabilities, balance, and agility
  
  
• Skin changes
  
  
• Swelling of the face, arms, or legs
  
  
• Changes in your sexual functioning, such as infertility, early menopause, loss of sexual interest, or erectile difficulties

How physical changes affect body image

Physical appearance is important to most people. Outward changes, such as skin problems or hair loss, can make a person feel self-conscious. Even changes that aren't as visible, such as feeling tired or a hidden scar, can make a person feel differently about himself or herself. Changes such as infertility or early menopause can also affect body image.

Even if cancer leaves no permanent physical changes, you may still feel different about your body. Some people experience a loss of confidence in their body and its abilities. You may feel that your body has "let you down" or see your body as weak or vulnerable.

Although body image concerns are common, some cancer survivors report positive changes in body image. Some appreciate the resilience of their bodies or discover that issues, such as weight or body shape, matter less. Some people with cancer are inspired to treat their body well by eating well and exercising.

Common psychological changes

Feeling depressed, exhausted, angry, irritable, fearful, unsure, or trapped because of cancer and cancer treatment can affect body image. You may experience one or more of the following psychological changes:

• Loss of self-confidence
  
  
• Loss of independence
  
  
• Fatigue (tiredness)
  
  
• Anxiety
  
  
• Hopelessness
  
  
• Depression
  
  
• Anger
  
  
• Irritability
  
  
• Inability to sleep

Coping with body image changes

Physical qualities, such as being athletic or attractive, can be an important part of self-concept for young adults. It is normal to feel anxious and distressed over changes in your body. Suggestions for coping with body image changes include the following:

• Give yourself time to grieve physical losses and psychological challenges and to adjust to your new body and wisdom.
  
  
• Talk with other young adults with cancer about how they coped with, and adjusted to, body changes.
  
  
• Be prepared for questions and comments about your appearance and think about how you will respond. If you prefer not to talk about it, just tell your friends it's a private matter.
  
  
• While your body may look and feel different, you are still the same person on the inside. Your personality, interests, and talents are not taken away by cancer. If anything, you may find an emerging new talent or strength that you didn't know you possessed.
  
  
• Take care of your body with exercise, good nutrition, and high-quality sleep. Learning a new physical skill can help you regain confidence in your body. Check with your doctor as to how much more you can do.
  
  
• If you are unable to do some of the activities or sports you used to, try to find a new activity that interests you. Some people find a similar activity helpful, whereas others look for something completely different.
  
  
• Ask for a referral to a rehabilitation specialist or fitness coach to help you manage any physical limitations.

If concerns about your physical appearance become overwhelming, or if insecurity about your appearance is causing you to avoid people and situations you used to enjoy, ask your doctor for a referral to a psychologist or social worker.

Additional resources

LIVESTRONG: Body Image

More Information

Cancer.Net: Body Image and Sexuality

Cancer.Net: Self-Image and Cancer

Cancer.Net: Cancer in Young Adults