Boosting Your Body Image
Cancer treatment causes changes in your body, and while some effects are short-term, others are permanent.
Acknowledging these changes — the loss of your breasts or your hair, new scars and weight changes — are part of the recovery process.
These changes can serve as reminder of the disease, trigging painful memories. You have the right to feel upset and to mourn the loss of your pre-cancer body.
It’s important to recognize that you are more than your cancer — no matter what you look like or how you have changed, you are a person of worth and value.
Doing something kind for yourself, like a haircut or color, manicure or new clothes, can not only help enhance your look, it can also aid in your recovery.
Resources to boost your self-image
- “Look Good … Feel Better” program, where cancer patients of all ages can learn techniques to minimize the appearance-related side effects of cancer and treatment, get makeup and hair loss tips, and receive free cosmetics.
For information or to R.S.V.P. for upcoming events, call 626-218-3842.
The Positive Image Center, located in the Southeast Ambulatory building on our Duarte Campus, is a welcoming and supportive environment where our oncology-trained, licensed cosmetologists can minimize the visible side effects of cancer for men and women. To reserve a spot for services, workshops and classes, call 626-218-3842. For more information, please email positiveimagecenter@coh.org.
Our specially trained cosmetologists are here to help with:
- The best use of cosmetic and skin-care techniques
- Alternatives for loss, including fittings and stylings for men and women wigs
- Optimal use of head-wraps and hats, and scarf-tying techniques
- Post-mastectomy fittings and products
If you have lasting side effects impacting your body, such as skin or weight changes, talk with your survivorship care team. If you are a City of Hope patient, you can also reach out to a social worker by calling the Division of Clinical Social Work at 626-218-2282.
You can find more helpful information in the Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center, located on the Duarte campus in the Main Medical building, including support groups, education classes, music therapy, art therapy and more.
Visit the Supportive Services Events Calendar for class descriptions, dates and to reserve your spots.