Looking after yourself
Having cancer and recovering from it can be very stressful, both physically and emotionally. You may find coping with body image and sexuality issues particularly difficult, and this may affect your emotions and relationships. Choosing a breast prosthesis or having a breast reconstruction may be an important step in your recovery.
There are also other things you can do to help take care of yourself. Eating well, being active and taking time out may help reduce stress, improve wellbeing and help you cope better with surgery if you have a reconstruction. Doing things to improve your self-esteem can also be important for adjusting to a reconstruction.
Talking to health professionals such as psychologists, counsellors or psychiatrists may also be helpful. Don’t be embarrassed to ask for a referral. These health professionals may help you find strategies to help with your recovery.
Learn more about:
This information was last reviewed in June 2017
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Cancer Council Online Community
A community forum – a safe place to share stories, get tips and connect with people who understand
Cancer information
Learn more about chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells
What is cancer?
How cancer starts and spreads
