Your body after breast cancer treatment

Most people have surgery as part of their treatment for breast cancer.

After surgery your breast or chest area is likely to be bruised and swollen.

You may find this difficult to look at, but the bruising and swelling will improve over time.

You may have lots of different feelings about your body after surgery. Some people find that surgery doesn’t affect how they feel about themselves. However, others find the changes more difficult to accept and their confidence and self-esteem are affected.

Research has shown that the sooner you look at the physical changes to your body, the easier you may find it to gain confidence in the way you look. However, some people won’t be able to do this early on.

The first few times you look at yourself might make you feel unhappy and shocked, and you may want to avoid looking at yourself again.

However, the initial intense feelings you may have will lessen over time as you get more used to how you look now.

If you have a partner, letting them see the surgical scars and changes to your body sooner may also make being intimate easier in the long term.

1. First, it may help to look at yourself in a full-length mirror fully clothed and pick out 3 things you really like about yourself
2. After that, do the same wearing lingerie or underwear
3. When you feel ready you can move on to looking at your naked body in a full-length mirror. Describe what you see and what you like or what makes you feel awkward or uncomfortable
4. Look at and touch your scars or breast reconstruction so you get used to how this area now feels
5. The more often you look at and feel your body, the less different it will seem

Some people will continue to feel uncomfortable looking at their body. If you’ve tried the techniques above and still find looking at your body difficult or upsetting, you may find it helpful to speak to a counsellor or therapist who deals with body changes. Your GP or breast care nurse should be able to arrange this for you.

Some people have breast reconstruction or wear a prothesis.

A breast prosthesis is an artificial breast form that replaces the shape of all or part of the breast that has been removed.

For some people, wearing a prosthesis may be a temporary choice before they have reconstruction. Other people may choose not to, or be unable to, have breast reconstruction. They may find wearing a prosthesis an effective and suitable long-term choice.

Some people opt not to wear a prosthesis and not to have reconstruction.

The choice of whether to remain flat, have a reconstruction or wear a prosthesis is very personal. It’s important that any decision you make is based on whether it’s right for you.

You may also like to read our information about finding a suitable bra and clothing and swimwear.

Menopausal symptoms

Menopausal symptoms are a common side effect of treatment for breast cancer. This is because treatments can either stop the effect of female hormones or stop their production altogether.

Menopausal symptoms that may affect how you feel about your body, intimacy and sex include:

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Loss of desire
• Changes to how you experience orgasm
• Vaginal dryness and pain

Find out more about menopausal symptoms and what can help.

For tips on dealing with vaginal dryness and irritation, see our information on sex and the effects of breast cancer treatment.

Weight gain

Weight gain during and after treatment can happen for several reasons.

Some drugs can increase your appetite. You may be less active when having treatment. Or you may eat more if you’re anxious or because your routine has changed.

Putting on weight can affect how you feel about your body and can leave you with low self-esteem.

However, eating healthily after treatment and doing regular physical activity or exercise can help you lose weight and keep it off.

Hair loss and regrowth

Hair loss or thinning can be a distressing side effect of some breast cancer treatments.

Your hair may be an important part of how you feel about yourself, so losing all or some of it can affect your confidence and self-esteem.

Hair loss is almost always temporary. Hair usually starts to grow back once treatment has finished, sometimes sooner.

People with secondary breast cancer may have treatment for longer periods. This is because treatment is given for as long as your treatment team feels you’re benefitting from it. It means hair loss or thinning may be long term.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is swelling of the arm, hand or breast/chest area caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the surface tissues of the body.

Having lymphoedema can affect you both physically and emotionally. It can make you feel differently about your body and can mean that you have to adapt to yet another change in your body and appearance.

If you have lymphoedema you may have to wear a compression sleeve. This can be a visible sign that something is different about you. Wearing a sleeve may also make you feel you have to change the way you dress.

Talking about changes to your body, sex and intimacy can be difficult. But addressing your concerns is an important part of your breast cancer treatment and care.

Our Your body, intimacy and sex booklet contains a prompt list that is designed to help you discuss these issues with a healthcare professional or when calling our helpline.