Body Image, Sexual Wellbeing and Relationships

Body Image | Sexual wellbeing | Cancer and relationships

Body Image

Cancer and its treatment can change our bodies in many different ways and this can affect how we feel.

Body image concerns are common in people affected by cancer, some people may feel uncomfortable or unhappy with their bodies. Others may feel anxious and avoid going out or socialising. Concerns about your body may make you feel less feminine or masculine.

There are many things you can do to improve your body image.

There are also different ways to get help and support.

Macmillan: Body Image and Cancer. This explains how cancer and its treatment can affect your body and the way you see it.

Dream on Makeover days. These makeover days take place at a ladies boutique in Eye, Suffolk, and are free of charge (courtesy of the charity Blossom) if booked through the Cancer Support and Information Centre.

Look Good feel better. This is a cancer support charity with the specific aim of helping to boost the physical and emotional wellbeing of people undergoing cancer treatment.

Cancer campaign in Suffolk - It’s All About You. Cancer campaign in Suffolk run workshops where you can learn about the changes that may occur during treatment, how to look after your skin and key makeup techniques.

Boots Macmillan Feel More Like You Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are trained to give free, face-to-face advice to help people cope with the visible side effects of cancer treatment. The Advisors are only available at larger stores in the area (Tavern Street, Ipswich and Martlesham Heath Retail Park) - check the website for up-to-date information.

In addition, if you find that cancer treatment has had an effect on your skin, you may wish to refer to a range of online resources and support made available by La Roche-Posay (through a partnership with Macmillan).

Several charities offering support for specific cancers provide information and guidance on their internet sites, for example Breast Cancer Care and Bowel Cancer UK

Sexual wellbeing and Cancer

We recognise how difficult it may be to talk about sex and relationships.

We also know that it is an important part of life for many people. You do not have to be in a relationship or having sex to have questions or need support.

Many changes caused by cancer treatment are temporary and usually get better after treatment. As you recover you may find your sex life goes back to how it was. Sometimes people have to adjust to changes that last longer or that may be permanent.

These changes can affect the way you feel about your body and can affect relationships or how you feel about being intimate with someone.

There can be ways to improve your sexual wellbeing and to manage problems.

Cancer and relationships

A diagnosis of cancer can bring about a wide range of emotions for both the patient and those they care about; shock, fear, anxiety, denial, sadness, anger, resentment and guilt.

These emotions can affect our relationships and the way we communicate with those we care about.

Talking about your feelings can help you understand your reactions and help you to find answers to problems or a way forward this might be with someone you know and trust or someone outside of your situation.

In the cancer support and information service you can call or email us or pop in to discuss your needs. We are always happy to spend time with you and listen to your concerns.

We can refer you for counselling or for psychosexual therapy at the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre. For more information, please follow this link.

For some people, joining a support group can be helpful and we can discuss which one might be suitable for you.

Macmillan: Cancer and Relationships