Below we discuss other changes to your appearance that LGBTIQA+ people diagnosed with cancer may experience.
Learn more about:
Surgical scars
Surgery can cause scarring. Sometimes people worry because a scar looks or feels red, tight or uncomfortable. This may make you feel self-conscious, even if others can’t see it. Ask your doctor about creams that may help the scar heal and become lighter in colour. In some cases, you may choose to have surgery to make a scar less noticeable.
Other skin changes
Some targeted therapy, immunotherapy and hormone therapy drugs can cause itchy, red and dry skin. Radiation therapy can also cause skin issues. Skin changes can make you feel self-conscious. Your doctor may be able to suggest creams to help.
Lymphoedema
If most of the lymph nodes are removed from your armpit, groin or pelvic area, lymph fluid may no longer drain properly, and your arm or leg may swell. This is called lymphoedema. This may be permanent, but the pain and swelling can usually be managed.
For more on this, see our general section on Lymphoedema.
Stoma
You may need a temporary or permanent opening in the body (stoma) after surgery for some types of cancer (e.g. bowel or bladder cancer). A stoma allows stools (poo) or urine (wee) to collect in a bag attached to your abdomen. The bag can then be emptied. It can take time to get used to a stoma. You may worry that it can be seen under clothing, but it’s not usually noticeable. Learn more about sexual intimacy when you have a stoma.
For more information on living with a stoma, see Bowel cancer and Bladder cancer.
Ways to adjust to changes in appearance
- Keep in mind that body image is based on a mix of emotional and physical factors, not just on a body part or physical characteristic.
- Look at your “new” body in the mirror to get used to the changes, and wear outfits that make you feel good.
- Ask about reconstructive surgery, prosthetic devices and/or cosmetic solutions. These are not for everyone, but may help improve self-esteem and body image.
- Exercise regularly. It can help improve body image and quality of life. An exercise professional can tailor an exercise program for you.
- Connect with people who have similar experiences through social media or LGBTIQA+ support groups. They may have tips for adapting to body changes.
- Talk to your GP or a psychologist if you have trouble adjusting.
For more on this, see Living well after cancer.
→ READ MORE: Sexual intimacy and cancer
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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.
