Though breast cancer treatment can alter how your body looks and change your relationship with your body, there are ways to cope. A support group or therapist may be able to provide more guidance.

Breast cancer can change your body. And as you start treatment, your relationship with your body may get more complicated. But know that there are resources to help you adapt and adjust over time.

This process will be different for everyone, but with some help and support, you can feel more comfortable in your body again.

Those undergoing breast cancer treatment will likely experience some body changes.

But it’s important to remind yourself that these changes are necessary to fight your cancer and improve your outcome.

Facing hair loss

Hair loss during chemotherapy doesn’t happen to everyone, but if it does, it’s almost always temporary and can grow back.

It’s important to do what helps you feel the most confident during this time:

  • You might find it empowering to shave your head before your hair completely falls out.
  • You can gradually cut your hair shorter to ease into the change.
  • You can wear a wig that resembles your natural hair or one that gives you a totally new look.
  • You can put on a hat, cap, or scarf.

You might also want to ask your care team about scalp cooling, a therapy that involves wearing a cold headpiece during chemotherapy.

The cold slows down blood flow to your scalp, so your hair follicles are less exposed to the chemo. This could mean you’ll lose less hair during treatment.

Scalp cooling isn’t available at all cancer treatment centers. It’s usually a costly out-of-pocket expense because insurance coverage for scalp cooling isn’t yet standard in the United States.

Coping with weight changes

Pain and fatigue can make you less active, and certain medications, like steroids and hormone therapy, can cause weight gain.

But weight gain is common during breast cancer treatment, so it’s important not to punish yourself for it. Instead, try to show some self-compassion and self-love.

While you can’t completely prevent weight gain, you may be able to minimize it by:

However, in many instances, weight gain may be due to water retention, so management might require more than just eating healthy.

There’s no need to exercise vigorously, but try to move a little every day. A short walk or bike ride can help:

For more diet support, consider asking your care team for a referral to a nutritionist or registered dietitian who specializes in people undergoing cancer treatment.

Weight loss is possible, too

While many people may gain weight during breast cancer treatment, it’s also common to lose weight due to treatment side effects.

According to the American Cancer Society, some ways to manage weight loss include:

  • Staying hydrated.
  • Talk with your care team about medications you could take for nausea or pain.
  • Try having a small snack that’s high in calories and protein (such as nuts, eggs, or cheese) between meals.
  • Drink your calories in the form of smoothies or shakes and take nutritional supplements.

After breast cancer surgery, you’ll notice changes in your body that may change your relationship with your body.

Still, it’s important to be kind to yourself as you navigate life after breast cancer treatment. Achieving a healthy body image requires time, patience, forgiveness, and effort.

Adapting after mastectomy or reconstructive surgery

While it’s possible to reconstruct your breasts after a mastectomy with surgery or implants, it can still take some time to adapt to your new look.

Reconstructed breasts also won’t be the same as your natural breasts. They might feel different, lack sensation, or show scars from the surgery.

Research from 2018 suggests that psychosocial interventions, such as counseling or therapy, might help you cope with body image concerns.

You could also try standing in front of a mirror and repeating positive affirmations to your reflection, such as:

  • I appreciate my body and what it can do.
  • I forgive my body.
  • I am kind to myself.

There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Some days will likely be better than others. But therapy can help give you the tools to get through bad days and ensure you have as many good ones as possible.

Having sex and being intimate

Surgery, weight changes, and side effects of hormone treatments can make sex and intimacy more complicated. You may feel less interested in sex, or it might become painful for you.

Consider asking your doctor about prescription medications, over-the-counter or at-home remedies, or lifestyle modifications for:

Low libido and body image concerns can also strain your relationship if you’re in one. It’s important to maintain open lines of communication.

Your partner may be unsure how to show support and affection. They might be waiting for your signal for the next steps.

But intimacy doesn’t always have to mean sex. Until you feel comfortable in your skin again, holding hands, hugging, cuddling, or kissing could still be satisfying.

Some mental health counselors specialize in sexual intimacy following cancer treatment. Your doctor can give you a referral, or you can search online for experts.

Find a support group

Joining a breast cancer support group for survivors can help improve your mental health.

You’ll empathize with those going through a similar experience and learn tips and tricks about managing the physical effects of cancer treatment.

Another option is the Bezzy Breast Cancer app. This free app provides a platform for sharing experiences and asking questions to a community of survivors.

Talk with a mental health expert

Try not to be ashamed of discussing your body image concerns. Know that your care team is there to help you with all aspects of breast cancer treatment.

As with your relationships, keep the lines of communication open.

It’s not a sign of weakness to seek help or mental health counseling. If you’re feeling anxious or depressed about the changes to your body, consider talking with a mental health expert.

Begin your support search

These organizations are good starting places if you’re looking to connect with a breast cancer support group:

And for mental health experts, consider:

Body changes are a natural part of breast cancer treatment, but they might cause new challenges and concerns to arise.

Know that it’s more than OK to seek help from your care team to support you with these changes.

Support groups and mental health counselors can help you navigate the psychological effects, while your doctor can prescribe medications and other treatments to help minimize side effects.