Body Image

Your body image will be affected by both the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.  Many patients with a cancer diagnosis feel betrayed by their bodies.  Others are deeply affected by the physical changes that the disease and its treatment cause. 

For women, breasts are closely connected to the essence of being female.  The extent to which these changes in body image affect individual women will vary considerably, depending on age, life status, the nature of treatment and the relationship with their own your body.  Every woman should be aware of these issues and begin thinking early in the treatment planning process about what she needs and wants.  Talking to counselors at your treatment center is a good place to start.

Next: Fertility.