
One of the most personal struggles that one may face during and after breast cancer is how treatment may change your body and your mindset. You may be worried that cancer is damaging your self-confidence and making you feel disconnected from your body. You are not alone in this struggle! Scores of survivors and thrivers can attest to the journey you are facing. You may want to discount these worries with thoughts like, “It could be worse,” or “Some people have it harder than me.” Please don’t let that stop you from taking charge of finding the help you need. Your feelings are valid. We all deserve to love ourselves and feel our best!
Luckily, there are more and more solutions to this challenge becoming available. Read on to learn more and hear from a first-person perspective about finding support for this next chapter of your story.
Depending on your course of treatment, these are some physical changes you might be able to expect, and some options available for you to find the help you need to feel your best.
Breast/Chest Physical Changes
You may be dealing with unevenness following a lumpectomy or the loss of your breast/s after a mastectomy. Talk with your doctor about your options for reconstruction, including implants or choosing to go flat, which is becoming more and more popular among breast cancer survivors. There are also breast cancer-focused boutiques in some communities that can help you with fittings, insurance coverage, and more.
Hair Loss & Scalp Physical Changes
If you undergo chemotherapy or radiation, you may face the loss of your hair during the process. You may also experience an uncomfortable scalp or burning sensation – do some research or ask your treatment provider to educate you on cold caps and scalp cooling systems. They may be able to prevent some hair loss. If you do lose your hair, get connected with a local boutique or salon that specializes in hair loss for cancer patients. Finding help with a custom-fitted wig can really boost your confidence during treatment. There are also programs that focus on makeup tricks for cancer patients that can help you learn new ways to treat yourself.
Skin & Nail Physical Changes
Certain types of chemotherapy may cause dry, itchy, or discolored skin. Some people may even develop photosensitivity, which causes the skin to sunburn or rash easily. You may also experience flakiness or thinness in your nails. You will want to make sure you’re treating yourself to a great skin care regimen that works for you. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist for options for relief.
Lymphedema
Some people may develop lymphedema as a side effect of treatment during or after their breast cancer journey. Lymphedema is a build-up of lymphatic fluid that may cause painful swelling. Consult your provider about your concerns and do your research on what compression garments and decongestive lymphatic therapies (DLTs) may be a good option for you. There are also support organizations available that focus solely on lymphedema.

I recently connected with Marylinn Minor, a breast cancer survivor, volunteer advocate, and Board member of VBCF. She shared her first-person perspective on what she wishes she knew about coping with the physical changes that may come along with breast cancer.
NJ: How did breast cancer treatment affect your body image when coping with various side effects of treatment?
MM: I was very fortunate that I did not struggle with body image during my treatment journey. [Something that helped ensure that was] My treatment team explained my treatment plan, including the type of surgeries, how many, and the time frame for each. I learned that I would need to wear a prosthesis until I received reconstructive surgery. I sought out a breast cancer support organization that specialized in providing information about prosthesis. Following my first and second surgeries, I did wear a prosthesis for a year and a half until I got reconstructive surgery.
NJ: Why do you think seeking help for physical changes is important? Why is it important to look and feel your best in the face of adversity?
MM: I believe that it’s important to seek help for any physical changes that you’re facing with a breast cancer diagnosis. Someone else has experienced what you are facing and often can help you understand what you need to know to cope with what’s ahead. The more comfortable a breast cancer patient feels, whether it’s their physical appearance or function, the better they will cope with the actual condition of their body during treatment.
NJ: What advice would you give someone’s loved ones to help them cope with these issues?
MM: I would strongly urge family/friends of a breast cancer patient to seek resources who specialize in the breast cancer community to educate themselves on ways that they can support their loved one facing breast cancer.
NJ: What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with the cost of affording services or items that would help them cope?
MM: I would advise anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis, to seek out support organizations like VBCF which have tons of resource information for newly diagnosed patients. There are organizations which help patients with funds for bills including, utilities, childcare and transportation, etc.
*Special thanks to Marylinn for her time contributing to this blog.
Thankfully, getting the right information and resources needed helped Marylinn emerge from her breast cancer journey with confidence. It’s never too early or too late to reach out for support!
Recommended Reading for Body Image & Breast Cancer
- ‘7 Tips for Positive Body Image After Breast Cancer’ from BreastCancer.org
- ‘Body image and breast cancer’ from Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- ‘Self Image and Cancer’ from Cancer.net/ASCO Answers
If you would like to receive a print version of our resource lists, reach out to our Resource Coordinator at help@vbcf.org or 800-345-8223.