Coping with Body Image Changes
Gradual change in our appearance over time with age is expected. However, when change occurs drastically and dramatically, it gives us little time to adapt. This can have a huge impact on our self-image and self-esteem. This can also have an impact on our work, our psychosocial functioning, our intimacy and every aspect of our lives. Similarly, cancer and its treatment have been shown to have a dramatic negative psychological impact (Bahrami et al., 2017). One of these impacts is body image disturbance (Ibid, p. 1). This body image disturbance may be due to facial scars, decreased physical functioning, change to the body structure as in ileostomies, colostomies and facial surgeries, prostheses, hair loss, weight changes, balance problems and changes in sexual functioning (Bahrami et al., 2017; Esplen, 2013). In a descriptive and correlational research study of 210 adult patients conducted by Bahrami et al., (2017), it was found that 58% of those with cancer had a negative body image, which was not associated with the type of cancer, the treatment or the duration of the illness. Thus, body image change can have a significant impact on the emotional health.
There are a number of strategies that we can use to cope with body image disturbance. Firstly, giving oneself time to cope is important (Esplen, 2013). All changes require time to adapt. This may be the case with changes in physical function, which require relearning a skill or an activity. This may also require engaging a health professional such as an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist, a speech therapist, a stomal nurse or a health professional that can assist with helping make the changes for the adaptations. Bloomhill has an excellent physiotherapist that can help out with relearning new physical skills because of changes in body functioning.
Secondly, you must remember that you are still yourself even though changes have taken place (Esplen, 2013). It is just the same as when we age. Even though we change we are still us. Furthermore, acknowledge your feelings of anger, sadness and loss and give yourself time to grieve the loss (McCullough-Squire, 2023). Talk with others about what has changed as this will give others the chance to understand and also give them permission to talk about it with you (Cancer Council NSW, 2024). Moreover, mindfulness-based interventions can help individuals with cancer cope with a wide range of issues and symptoms including those that occur with changes in the body following cancer diagnosis and treatment (Carlson, 2013). Embrace and change and enjoy the new you.
Thirdly, be open and creative to finding new hobbies, new endeavours and new methods (Esplen, 2013). It is all about the journey, the learning and the discovery. Find new ways of dressing to make yourself feel more confident and comfortable, experimenting with styles and accessories that celebrate your individuality and increase your energy and self-image (McCullough-Squire, 2023). It is about embracing the change and using it to create new opportunities or re-inventing yourself. As Angela Davis states, “I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept” (Fielding, 2023). If you are interested in creating a new look, Bloomhill hosts Look good feel better workshops. Book on the Look good feel better website www.lgfb.org.au or talk to one of the nurses.
Fourthly, take care of yourself and your body will take care of you (Esplen, 2013). A shift in focus can be from looks to physical fitness and functioning by nurturing good habits of eating, sleeping, exercise and the development of mind and spirit (McCullough-Squire, 2023). Nutrition plays a critical role in comprehensive cancer treatment (Soares et al., 2024). It provides the substrates for key neurotransmitters that support healthy cognitive functioning. It also provides the glucose for energy production and the key vitamins and minerals for recovery, repair and immune function. Physical activity can help with increasing brain and body functioning, reduce depression and anxiety, increase sleep quality, improve quality of sleep and increase sense of wellbeing (American Cancer Society, 2025). In fact, in a systematic review by Drozd et al., (2024), it was found that aerobic exercise and/or moderate intensity strength training can help with cancer-related insomnia. Need more help with exercise and nutrition, contact the reception at Bloomhill, as we have two exceptional health professionals in this area.
Fifthly, talking to other individuals who have had cancer will help to find out strategies of coping with changes in body image (Esplen, 2013). In fact, support groups are an excellent place to start. Almeida et al., (2024) conducted research with 157 young women with breast cancer, 42% of which had undergone breast reconstruction and found that social support improves the effectiveness of both avoidant and problem-focused coping strategies in the promotion of positive body image. On the other hand, be ready to support others when they ask about how you have coped with the changes (Esplen, 2013). Thus, the cycle of mutual assistance can continue.
Finally, talk to health professionals if you need help (Esplen, 2013). Health professionals can help to navigate the body image changes (McCullough-Squire, 2023). Bloomhill have a number of excellent psychologists and counsellors that can assist with changes in thinking that are required with changes in physical appearance and functioning. Sexual therapies can help with changes in intimacy and can give suggestions to adapt and be creative about intimacy so that this important part of the individual is not lost. Cancer may cause changes. However, it cannot take our resilience and our humanity away from us. Once the diagnosis has been done, it is about reclaiming self-love, accepting the changed image and becoming stronger, more resourceful, creative and becoming the person we were meant to be (McCullough-Squire, 2023).
I once was young, vibrant and free.
Then I got cancer, with restrictions and fear
I lost the person who used to be me.
I lost the person who I used to hold dear
The cancer I feared, I have now learned to accept
The changes that have occurred, I have now learned to embrace
Behold, a new me, so emboldened and adept,
Have found broadened horizons, I am empowered to face
References :
Almeida, M., Griff, M. I., & Brandao, T. (2025). Coping and positive body image in young women with breast cancer: the buffering role of social support. Healthcare, 13(3), 1—14. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388755294_Coping_and_Positive_Body_Image_in_Young_Women_with_Breast_Cancer_The_Buffering_Role_of_Social_Support
American Cancer Society. (2025). Physical activity and the person with cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/be-healthy-after-treatment/physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient.html#:~:text=These%20Guidelines%20call%20for%20cancer%20survivors%20to%3A%20%3A,least%2010%20minutes%20at%20a%20time.%20More%20items
Bahrami, M., Mohamadirizi, M., Mohamadirizi, S., & Hosseini, S. A. (2017). Evaluation of body image of cancer patients and its association with clinical variables. Journal of Education and Health Promotion, 6, 1—5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5651657/pdf/JEHP-6-81.pdf
Cancer Council NSW. (2011). Changes in appearance. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/managing-cancer-side-effects/sexuality-intimacy/overcoming-specific-challenges/changes-in-appearance/
Cancer Council NSW. (2024). Changed body image. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/living-well/after-cancer-treatment/managing-side-effects/changed-body-image/
Carlson, L. E. (2013). Mindfulness-based cancer recovery: the development of an evidence-based psychosocial oncology intervention. OE, 12(2), 21-25. https://www.openground.com.au/assets/Documents-Openground/Articles/9509b6fb7d/Linda-Carlson-Mindfulness-based-cancer-recovery.pdf
Drozd, C., Curtit, E., Gillet, V., Jacquinot, Q., Meneveau, N., & Mougin, F. (2024). Exercise intervention on insomnia in patients with a cancer: a systematic review of the literature. Cancers (Basel), 16(12), 1—23. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11201959/
Esplen, M. J. (2013). Managing body image concerns after cancer treatment. UHN. https://hncrehab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Managing_body_image_problems_after_cancer_treatment.pdf
Fielding, S. (2023). 50 Inspiring quotes about change. Today (December 19). https://www.today.com/life/inspiration/quotes-about-change-rcna125491
McCullough-Squire, J. (2023). The journey of body image after cancer. After Cancer The All of Me Project. https://www.aftercancer.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ALTERED-BODY-IMAGE.pdf
Soares, C. H., Beuren, A. G., Friedrich, H. J., Gabrielli, C. P., Stefani, G. P., Steemburgo, T. (2024). The importance of nutrition in cancer care: a narrative review. Curr Nutr Rep, 13(4), 950—965. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39278864/
Please contact our Nurses on 07 5445 5794 or [email protected] if you have any questions.
All information provided by Bloomhill is mainly based on research from the Qld Cancer Council and best practice guidelines. Our model of care utilizes the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) domains of wellness along with available clinical evidence. Always consult your care team regarding matters that affect your health. This is a guide intended for information only.
