Poor Body Image Because Of Cancer And How To Deal With It

The cells in our body grow, multiply and die in a fixed pattern. Cancer disrupts this pattern and causes cells to grow in an abnormal fashion in places where they are not needed. This may result in a mass of tissue which might be malignant. It invades the other surrounding tissues and can damage the vital organs of the body.

Cancer treatment may comprise of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy. All these are proven successful treatments for cancer, though there are side effects for these treatments. Apart from visible side effects, cancer treatment can affect you emotionally as well.

Cancer and cancer treatment can leave permanent physical changes in your body. For some survivors their victory over cancer is more important than changes in appearance but for some it can be a cause of depression.

The shape or size of your body does change after you have had cancer treatment. You may lose or gain a lot of weight and there might even be considerable hair loss. Permanent changes like an amputated limb or a removed breast or scars from surgery and radiation may make matters worse, even when some of the changes are not visible to others.

Your body will not be able to function the way it did before you had cancer and you may find your self esteem challenged because of this. These small changes may overwhelm you at times. It might remind you constantly that your life is not the same anymore and will never be.

It becomes difficult for some people to accept these changes in the body. They might even lose self confidence. It might affect their professional lives too, if they feel their colleagues are more attractive and smarter.

Some people feel very conscious about the changes in their body and shy away from socializing. They also feel they cannot relate to normal people who have not known the sufferings of cancer.

It is true that everyone is not sensitive towards cancer survivors, especially if they carry visible signs on their bodies. Negative reactions from others may trigger further discomfort and even anger at times.

You need to have a strong positive attitude and try to surround yourself with people who know what you have been through. If they really care for you, they will be proud of you to have fought cancer instead of pitying you for your physical appearance.

Every cancer survivor has their own way of dealing with poor body image. You can try associating with other survivors and sharing experiences to gain some confidence. Professional counseling may also help to a great extent. Change your wardrobe and wear what makes you look and feel good. Healthy habits and discipline in life can also improve your inner strength. Finally, you can also opt for cosmetic surgery to restore your physical appearance.

Your appearance is just one part of your personality. Focus more on your talents, your relationships and the love and warmth you share with your friends and family. Remember, people dont love you just for the way you look.

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