Body image and self-esteem after breast cancer

Body image refers to how you think about your body and the way you look. After breast cancer treatment, surgery scars, weight loss or gain, skin changes, hair loss or regrowth can change the way you feel about your body. Some people develop lymphoedema (swelling) after surgery or radiotherapy to lymph nodes in the armpit. 

Changes to your body can affect your confidence and self-esteem. They may make you self-conscious about everyday things such as socialising, using changing rooms or being intimate with a partner. You may find you avoid these situations.

• Talk to your breast care nurse about what to expect and get advice about how to manage. 
• Look online for cancer beauty and make-up tips and instructional videos. For example, there are products and techniques to help if you've lost your eyebrows or eyelashes. 
• Check out your local cancer support centre. Many have beauty and image sessions or run ‘look good’ workshops.  
• Ask if the Look Good Feel Better® programme is available in your hospital. It will give you beauty tips and skincare advice. 
• Spend time looking for a hairpiece that suits you before you start treatment. Look for scarves and hats that you like. 
• Be fitted professionally for your prosthesis and bra and get advice about the best wig for you. Some local cancer support centres have fitting sessions.

You may think that your partner finds you less attractive, which may not be the case at all. They may be looking for a way to help you but feel unsure where to start. A word from you, even if you find it embarrassing or hard at first, might make all the difference. Read more about sex after breast cancer treatment.

Take time also to explore other ways to be intimate with your partner and so get used to your new body image. Read more about sexual relationships and cancer. 

Some patients find breast reconstruction helps them to cope with changes to their body image, self-esteem or sexuality following surgery. You can have breast reconstruction straight after surgery or months or years later. It is important that any decision you make is right for you. 

If you would like more information, visit our breast reconstruction page or download our booklet Understanding Breast Reconstruction below.