How Physical Changes May Affect You

Cancer and its treatments can cause visible and invisible physical changes that affect how a person perceives themselves, known as body image.

These changes may appear suddenly or gradually and may be temporary or permanent. Current cancer survivorship guidelines recognise body image as an important component of quality of life and emotional well-being.

Changes may affect different aspects of life:

  • Appearance: changes involving hair, weight, skin, surgical scars, amputations, stomas or reconstructive procedures.
  • Body function: changes in mobility, strength, bladder or bowel control, fertility or sexual function.
  • Physical sensations: pain, fatigue, neuropathy, lymphoedema, altered sensation or persistent discomfort.

These changes can serve as ongoing reminders of cancer and its treatment and may affect self-esteem, confidence and social relationships.

Common Emotional Reactions

Adjusting to physical changes can be challenging. Emotional responses vary from person to person and may change over time.

Common emotions include:

  • Sadness.
  • Frustration or anger.
  • Anxiety.
  • Insecurity.
  • Embarrassment or a sense of vulnerability.
  • Reduced self-esteem.
  • Concerns about physical appearance or social acceptance.

These reactions are normal and do not mean that a person is weak or unable to cope with cancer.

It is important to discuss these feelings with your healthcare team if they are intense, persistent or interfere with everyday life.

Talking About Changes to Your Body

Many people feel they must remain strong at all times and may minimise concerns related to body image. However, expressing emotions often helps with adjustment and reduces emotional distress.

The following may be helpful:

  • Talking with trusted family members or friends.
  • Discussing concerns with your medical or nursing team.
  • Joining support groups for patients and cancer survivors.
  • Consulting a psycho-oncologist or mental health professional when needed.

Some people find it useful to write down questions or feelings before medical appointments to help start conversations.

Rebuilding Confidence and Regaining Control

Adapting to physical changes is usually a gradual process. Several strategies may help:

  • Learning about the possible effects of cancer and its treatments.
  • Setting realistic and achievable goals.
  • Maintaining social relationships and meaningful activities whenever possible.
  • Using cosmetic, prosthetic or rehabilitation resources if they improve personal well-being.
  • Participating in adapted exercise programmes.

Supervised physical activity may improve body image, self-esteem, fatigue and overall quality of life for many people affected by cancer.

Psychological Support

International guidelines recommend regularly assessing the emotional impact of cancer and offering psychological support when required.

Helpful approaches may include:

  • Relaxation techniques.
  • Mindfulness.
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
  • Psycho-oncology programmes.
  • Therapeutic writing or journalling.
  • Creative and expressive activities.

Seeking professional support is a form of self-care and not a sign of weakness.

Sexuality, Intimacy and Personal Relationships

Can Cancer Affect Sexual Life?

Yes. Cancer and its treatments can affect both sexual function and the way a person experiences sexuality and intimacy. These changes may be physical, emotional or a combination of both.

Possible effects include:

  • Reduced sexual desire.
  • Fatigue or tiredness.
  • Pain during sexual activity.
  • Vaginal dryness.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Changes in fertility.
  • Concerns related to body image.

The severity of these difficulties varies between individuals and depends on the type of cancer and treatment received.

If You Have a Partner

Open communication is often one of the most important tools for managing changes related to sexuality.

Helpful strategies include:

  • Sharing concerns and expectations.
  • Explaining physical and emotional needs.
  • Temporarily adapting expressions of affection and intimacy.
  • Remembering that intimacy involves much more than sexual intercourse.

Many couples require time to adjust to the changes caused by illness and treatment.

If You Do Not Have a Partner

Some people worry about how to explain their cancer experience or physical changes in future relationships.

These concerns are common and entirely normal. Over time, many people find ways of discussing their experience in a manner that feels comfortable and appropriate for each situation.

Psychological or sexual health support may be particularly beneficial when these concerns affect confidence or the ability to develop new relationships.

When to Seek Help

It is advisable to speak with your healthcare team if you experience:

  • Persistent loss of sexual desire.
  • Pain during sexual activity.
  • Erectile dysfunction.
  • Significant vaginal dryness.
  • Fertility concerns.
  • Emotional difficulties related to intimacy or body image.

Medical, psychological and specialist sexual health treatments are available and may help improve these issues and support quality of life.