The effects of treatment

The treatments you have for your breast cancer are almost certain to affect how you look and feel in some way. Wanting to look and feel good isn't vanity, it's part of being human. On some days we feel better about ourselves than on others — whether or not we have cancer. Some of the effects of treatment can be prevented or minimised, some will be temporary, but a few won't go away. Feeling upset or angry about changes to your body during and after breast cancer treatment is perfectly normal and it can take you a long time to adjust to them.

After surgery, some women have breast reconstruction and some wear a prosthesis. Some women decide not to have reconstruction or wear a prosthesis. Depending on your treatment you may see other changes in your appearance such as skin changes, hair loss, weight loss, weight gain or lymphoedema (swelling, usually to the arm, caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues). Breast cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy can cause menopausal symptoms. These are generally temporary but sometimes they can be permanent. They can have a considerable impact on how you feel. The symptoms are often more intense than when menopause occurs naturally. You may experience symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, poor concentration and a general feeling of not being on top of things.