Managing Cancer related Side Effects

Table of Contents

Overview

Appearance related side effects: Cancer and cancer treatment affects a patient’s appearance by changing skin, hair, and body weight. There might be scars on the skin. One might go through hair loss or a change in hair texture. The patient undergoing cancer treatment experiences a change in body weight.

The disease and its treatment changes the appearance of the person. This often leads to low self-esteem. Although a change in appearance is a secondary thing for a cancer patient. But there are various ways through which cancer fighters can change their appearance for the better.

Change in hair quantity

The chemotherapy treatment affects the root follicles. This results in hair fall. Hair loss is not only from the head but other parts such as eyebrows, eyelashes, arms, etc. Every patient undergoing chemotherapy does not have hair loss. It cannot be predicted who can have a hair loss or who won’t.

 

It is common to lose hair while undergoing radiation therapy on the head. The hair may or may not grow again. It depends upon the dosage of radiation being used. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent.

 

Temporary hair loss re-grows after 3-6 months. The color and texture of the new hair can be different.

Change in skin

Cancer and cancer treatment changes the skin in the following ways –

 

  • It changes the color of the skin
  • Dry skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Rashes may develop
  • Scars and wounds 
  • Pressure sores

Change in overall body weight

Some patients undergoing the therapy either lose a lot of weight or might gain a lot. This is a temporary change. Hence one can recover from weight loss and weight gain.

Appearance related to other issues due to cancer

  • Embarrassment over hair loss
  • Not willing to go out in a public place
  • Not interested in meeting people
  • Hiding scars
  • Low self-esteem

Things that can improve the appearance

  • Wear a scarf or a wig if there is hair loss.
  • Engage yourself in light exercise in routine.
  • Eyebrow pencils can be used for the loss of hair from eyebrows.
  • Using good moisturizers keeps the skin hydrated and lip balms for dry lips.
  • One can wear a hat or scarf to cover hair loss. It also protects your skin from harmful sun rays.
  • Cancer treatment affects your appearance. But while fighting against cancer, how you appear becomes a secondary thing. However, caring about your appearance during chemotherapy will make you feel better and confident.

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