Key Messages:

• Being diagnosed and treated for cancer can cause physical and emotional changes that affect how you view yourself.
  
  
• These changes can be difficult to deal with and may include feeling angry, sad, fearful, or frustrated.
  
  
• Some people with cancer also describe positive changes in their outlook on life.
  
  
• There are several things you can do to deal with self-image changes that can help you keep a sense of control over the situation.

Being treated for cancer can cause many things to change in your life. Some of these changes are physical and caused by cancer or its treatment. Others are emotional, such as mental fogginess and depression, or feelings of renewed appreciation for life. Some changes are temporary and others are permanent. All changes, however big or small they appear to others, can affect how you view yourself and how you relate to others.

Physical changes associated with cancer and cancer treatment

Treatment for cancer 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)
  
  
• Weight gain or weight loss
  
  
• Changes in skin tone or color
  
  
• Physical changes from surgery

Many people say that fatigue or loss of energy is the most challenging side effect of cancer treatment. Severe fatigue can cause a person to give up activities that he or she once enjoyed. However, there are ways to help manage and cope with fatigue.

Mental and emotional changes associated with cancer and cancer treatment

A diagnosis of cancer is always unwelcome. It disrupts so many aspects of life ranging from relationships to work and hobbies. Depending on the seriousness of the illness and the prognosis (chance of recovery), it may also be a time for coming to terms with changes to plans for the future and the chance of dying. This can be quite frightening and have a profound effect on how a person views his or her life. It is not unusual to experience the following emotions:

• Anger
  
  
• A feeling of lack of control
  
  
• Sadness
  
  
• Fear
  
  
• Frustration
  
  
• Guilt
  
  
• A change in the way you think about yourself and the future (including viewing yourself as a "cancer patient")

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

• Appreciation for the strength of their bodies
  
  
• Peace
  
  
• Gratitude
  
  
• Awareness and appreciation that life is short and special
  
  
• A shift in priorities

Dealing with self-image changes

When dealing with self-image changes, there are several things that can be helpful:

• Discuss and plan for possible side effects. For instance, if you are worried about losing your hair as a result of treatment, you may consider just cutting it very short or even shaving it on your own! Taking some control over the process may feel less vulnerable.
  
  
• Enlist supportive people and form a network of friends and family to advise you.
  
  
• Ask for and accept help. Delegate tasks that take up your energy and bring you little pleasure. 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 may change your life. It takes time to adjust to a new way of feeling about yourself or how you look.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Stay calm and, if you are able, embrace humor. Laughter has many positive effects on the mind and body, and humor may help you relax during a tense or uncomfortable time.
  
  
• Ask for a referral to a psychologist or social worker if you feel a need to receive professional support. This can help you cope with and understand confusing feelings.
  
  
• As much as possible, keep up your physical activity routines and remain active. Physical activity creates energy. Social activities are important in helping to focus on something other than cancer.
  
  
• Consider asking for professional help to deal with the physical changes. Reconstructive surgery, prosthetic devices, and cosmetic solutions can often help with many of the physical and emotional side effects of cancer treatment.

It takes time to adjust to change after a diagnosis of cancer and as you face changing feelings about your body, looks, health, and your sense of self. Give yourself the time you need and accept help to cope with the physical and mental or emotional changes. Remember, this is a difficult time and it’s important to treat yourself with compassion and kindness and let your health care team know about your worries and concerns.

More Information

Finding Comfort Through Journaling

The Benefits of Counseling

Look Good Feel Better

Managing Side Effects

Additional resources

Wigs and Wig Alternatives: Halos of Hope

Wigs and Wig Alternatives: Hip Hats with Hair

Wigs and Wig Alternatives: Where There's a Need, Inc.