AYA Resources

Body Image

The effects of cancer treatment can change how you feel about yourself.

You may start to notice changes in your physical appearance, abilities, interests, and values. It is normal to become more self-aware of the physical changes that occur (e.g., hair loss, weight changes, weakness, fatigue), and become concerned that you may not be able to do certain activities to the same extent.

There are several programs and services dedicated to addressing the appearance related concerns of cancer. Throughout your treatment, you may have concerns and questions about how you feel about yourself and your body. Thse programs and services may be available to support you in feeling more like yourself again.

Below is a list of programs and services that aim to address body image concerns.

Programs

Look Good Feel Better

Look Good Feel Better is Canada’s only national charitable program dedicated to helping people manage the appearance-related effects of cancer and its treatment. These complimentary workshops look to empower cancer patients to feel like themselves again.

Look Good Feel Better Workshops:

• Skincare & Cosmetics: Learn how to care for sensitive skin and techniques for managing the loss of brows and lashes, adding colour back to the face, makeup hygiene and sun safety.
• Wigs & Hair Alternatives: See a demonstration on various head coverings, what to consider when selecting a wig, easy scarf-tying techniques, plus caring for your scalp during and after treatment.
• Breast Prostheses, Bras & More: Learn about what to expect at a fitting, products available for post-surgery and tips for where to find financial coverage.
• Teens: This special workshop just for teens includes skincare, on-trend make-up tips to feel your best and a demonstration of fun styles for caps, wraps and hair alternatives.
• Men: Learn how to manage dry and flaky skin, minimize irritation during shaving, tips for managing hair loss and more.

Wig Salon & Accessories Boutique

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Wig Salon & Accessories Boutique offers a large selection of wigs and hair alternatives to men, women and children with cancer. It also provides special undergarments for mastectomy patients, as well as special purses for people with lymphedema or post-surgical edema.

UHN Brochures

• Taking Care of Your Skin During Radiation Therapy
• Preparing for Hair Loss from Cancer Treatment
• Chemotherapy and Hair Loss: A Guide to Scalp Cooling
• Managing Body Image Concerns After Cancer Treatment

Supports and Services

• Lymphatic Self-Massage - Lymphatic self-massage is a gentle massage that can help you manage your lymphedema. Doing this massage daily can help you decrease the swelling in your lower body.
• Mastectomy Lingerie - Canada's Online Mastectomy Shop - This shop provides a variety of clothing products for women that have just been diagnosed or have been through breast cancer that help them feel more confident and comfortable. Some products include bras, swimwear and tops.
• Uncovered: A Breast Recognition Project - This resource that focuses on the breast cancer experience of Black women. Through powerful imagery and real women’s stories, it shines a light on the physical and emotional scars of breast cancer. Uncovered was created in collaboration with Michelle Audoin and developed in response to the significant underrepresentation of, and lack of support for, Black women and women of colour in the breast cancer community.
• Coils to Locs - Culturally sensitive wigs for Black people living with hair loss in Canada.