Who might be at risk for having a poor body image?
Survivors who experience temporary or permanent physical changes to their bodies may be at risk for having a poor body image as they learn to adjust to changes in their bodies. The effects of a temporary physical change on your body image may last for a short time. A permanent physical change may have a more lasting effect on your body image. Examples of temporary changes that can affect your body image: • Hair loss • Weight loss • Weight gain Examples of permanent changes that can affect your body image: • Amputations, such as, limbs or mastectomies where prostheses can be fitted • Permanent stomas, e.g. colostomy or ileostomy (an opening on the abdomen created surgically to empty contents of bowel into a bag) • Infertility • Scars from surgery or tattoo markings from radiation fields Both permanent and temporary physical changes may or may not be visible to other people. When physical changes aren’t visible to others, you may not notice any changes in how you feel about your body. Ho
