Breast cancer is hard.
You will face lots of reactions and emotions at diagnosis and during the treatment period.
And once treatment is over, new challenges and feelings rush in.
Some of the most difficult challenges that women diagnosed with breast cancer face involve
changes to their body image.
The term ‘Body Image’ refers to our thoughts, feelings and overall attitude around how we
feel, look and the way our body works. All around us, we hear and see messages about
what a woman should look like and how she should be and act. These messages also affect
our body image.
Breast cancer treatments all have an impact on your body. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy
and hormonal therapy can cause several changes. These include:
• Change to the breast shape, or loss of the breast.
• Scars • Lymphedema
• Pain or numbness in the chest or arm • Hair loss during treatment and often a
change in hair colour and texture when it grows back
• Weight change. • Infertility
• Early menopause. • Loss of interest in sex
• Pain during sex • Fatigue
• Reduced stamina
All these changes in the body’s appearance and function can create a sense of loss and
of dissatisfaction with one’s ‘new’ body.
Breast cancer is a life-altering diagnosis. In addition to body changes, your values might
shift, your priorities might change and your core beliefs about yourself — like, “I
am a healthy, strong person” — might be shaken. These changes can really challenge
your sense of who you are as a person and your self-esteem. This may then affect how
you see your role as a partner, mother, or member of the work force.
Some people have more difficulty with body image changes than others. We are all different.
Your identity before cancer, your body’s specific changes from the cancer or treatment,
and how you are influenced by societal messages about gender all affect your body image after
cancer. Here are some things to watch out for to know
if you are being extra hard on yourself: • Setting high standards or expectations
for yourself . • Constantly comparing yourself now to your
old self, or to others. • Avoiding looking in a mirror
• Shame. Feeling ashamed or disgusted by your appearance or feeling like you have to
hide your body. • Avoiding shopping for new clothing
• Avoiding activities you used to enjoy These can all be signs of negative body image,
and they can take away from your enjoyment of life. It can wear down your energy, your
self-esteem and contribute to other challenges like conflicts with loved ones, feelings of
loneliness or depression. So, what can you do about these feelings to
help move forward? Take some time to explore the new ideas of
who you are after breast cancer and reconnect to your body.
There are some steps that can help you get started.
1. Identify those harmful and internalized messages that exist from the media, our culture,
from friends and family about the female body.
2. Redefine who you are as you discover new things about yourself and reflect on what
the breast cancer experience has taught you. What do you want/value most? What does femininity,
beauty, health, and even happiness mean to you now?
3. Find ways to actively engage with, move, and feel empowered in your body (For example,
yoga, sports or dancing).
Be sure to let your health care team, loved ones, or other women with cancer know if you
are struggling with these issues. Support from your community and/or psychological support
from a trained mental health professional can help you get back on track, find better
balance in your life, and feel less alone.