Understand the connection between body image, gender, and cancer. Learn how treatment impacts self-perception and intimacy.
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Removal of a body part
- Weight and bowel changes
- Loss of hair from the head and body
- Other changes to your appearance
Overview
Cancer and its treatment can change the way you look. This can affect how you feel about yourself (body image), regardless of sexual orientation, gender or sex characteristics. Even if other people can’t see the changes, they may still affect your body image.
This section discusses some common physical changes to appearance after treatment. These may also affect how you feel about sex and intimacy. The changes you experience will depend on the type of cancer and treatment you have. Some changes may be permanent, while others may improve over time.
Emotional responses to body changes
Changes to your body can also affect your confidence, self-esteem and sense of identity. You may feel less attractive, socialise less, or feel disconnected from your community. In some cases, body changes may help your body feel more aligned with your identity.
Gender-affirming hormone therapies
Some cancers grow in response to hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone. These are called hormone-dependent cancers because the hormones signal cancer cells to grow. If you have a hormone-dependent cancer and are taking gender-affirming hormones, your doctor may talk to you about adjusting your hormone treatment.
This can be difficult, especially if it affects how you look. Changes in your appearance may trigger gender dysphoria and affect your wellbeing.
If you feel anxious, talk to your doctor or call QLife on 1800 184 527.
→ READ MORE: Removal of a body part
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Key resource
The information on this page is also available for download.
This resource was developed as part of the Western Sydney University Out with Cancer research project.
Prof Alison Brand, Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney and Director, Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Daniel Brown, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, VIC; Dr Rosalie Power, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy HDR Director, Translational Health Research Institute (THRI), Western Sydney University, NSW; Dr Sarah Bishop Browne, Palliative and Supportive Care Staff Specialist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Collette Butler, Clinical Nurse Consultant and McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Cancer Support Centre, Launceston, TAS; Prof Ada Cheung, Endocrinologist, NHMRC and Dame Kate Campbell Research Fellow and Head, Trans Health Research Group, The University of Melbourne, VIC; Dr Tiffany Daly, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Raymond Terrace, QLD; A/Prof Ian Faragher, The University of Melbourne and Head, Colorectal and General Surgery Unit, Western Health, VIC; Hall & Wilcox (law firm); A/Prof Peter Heathcote, Urologist, Brisbane Urology Clinic, QLD; Prof Richard Hillman, Senior Staff Specialist, HIV and Immunology, St Vincent’s Health Network, Sydney, NSW; Mads Kennedy, Project Coordinator, Silver Rainbow, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, NSW; Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Breast Cancer Medical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Madeline Lee, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Luke Mitchell, Urological and Sexual Health Nurse Practitioner, Men’s Health Melbourne, VIC; Nadia Reddish, Consumer; Dr Stephen Rowles, Sexual Health Physician and General Practitioner, The Centre Clinic and Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, VIC; Teresa Simpson, Senior Clinician, Psycho-Oncology Social Work Service, Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Mel Tume, Consumer; Prof Jane Ussher, Professor of Women’s Health Psychology and Chief Investigator, Out with Cancer Study, Western Sydney University, NSW; Syr Lumi Vor, Community Member; John Wenborn, Shine a Light (LGBTQIA+ Cancer Support Group). We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who worked on the first the edition of this title. We particularly acknowledge ACON and Intersex Human Rights Australia for their extensive input on the first edition. Intersex-Inclusive Progress Pride Flag designed by Valentino Vecchietti (2021).
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
