Life After Breast Cancer: Tips to Improve Your Self-Esteem and Body Image Concerns

Going through breast cancer is a hard experience. Even once you have recovered from the disease, you may have emotional and physical scars to contend with. Many people worry about their body image after cancer treatment, especially if they have had breast cancer surgery. Here are some tips to improve yourself-esteem in your life after breast cancer.

Acknowledge What You’ve Been Through

Fighting breast cancer is difficult. Being a survivor is a big deal. Make sure to acknowledge what you have been through. Don’t discredit your emotions or reactions to things. You went through a life-changing illness, so you have the right to deal with that however you need to.

Some people feel bad that they have body image issues after breast cancer surgery because how they look is so minor compared to the severity of the disease. This just leads to even worse self-esteem, as you’re making yourself feel bad for feeling bad. Again, being a breast cancer survivor is no joke. Accept any emotions you are feeling as valid and temporary.

Confide in Others

There are many groups and organizations dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Talking to other people who are going through the same thing as you can be incredibly beneficial. Ask your doctor if they know about any breast cancer survivor support groups or organizations you can join.

Don’t ignore the people right next to you, either. You most likely have friends and family members who are willing to listen to your worries for a bit. Finding ways to bring breast cancer awareness into the lives of the people around you can help make it more normalized for you and other survivors.

Stay Healthy

Physical health affects your mental health. If you are not feeling great mentally, staying physically active can be a big help. Some people gain weight from certain breast cancer treatments. Exercising and eating well can help you lose weight and feel happier. You may have had to give up activities you enjoyed during your cancer treatments, so now is the perfect time to start them back up again. Join a spin class, go for a run, or try a new sport –whatever gets you up and moving so you can maintain your health.

Change Your Look

Don’t like the way you look? Then change it. No rule says you have to look the same for your whole life. Sometimes revamping your look by doing things like buying different clothes and accessories is all it takes to get you out of a funk.

There are many other ways to change your look as well. If chemotherapy made you lose your hair, you can wear wigs, hats, headbands, or scarves. Some people choose to keep their hair short as it grows back, while others keep their natural hair hidden until it is long again.  Either is fine and totally up to you.

If you had breast cancer surgery, there are a few options to help your breasts themselves look more like they did before. Reconstruction surgery recreates the breast lump. Prosthetics are also an option, as are padded bras and other similar clothing.

Considering Breast Cancer Surgery?

Whether you are considering surgery as a treatment option for breast cancer or as are construction effort after the fact, BASS Medical Group can help. Doctors across multiple locations specialize in breast cancer surgery, so you can choose the office most convenient for you. Call (925) 350-4044 to learn more or schedule an appointment with BASS Medical Group.