Body image is already a delicate subject, but for mesothelioma patients, it can become an overwhelming obsession because of the cancer's effects on the body.

1. Body Image and Mesothelioma
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. What Is Body Image?
How we feel and think
about our appearance.
It encompasses how our
body looks and moves.
(800) 615-2270

3. Identity, Body Image and Illness
 Our body image contributes to
our identity and our self-esteem.
 A serious medical condition like
mesothelioma affects how we
look on the outside, how we
behave and how we feel about
ourselves on the inside.
(800) 615-2270

4. Physical Effects of Mesothelioma
 Scarring from surgery or procedures
 Swelling from steroids, surgery or lymphedema
 Weight loss or weight gain
 Hair loss or thinning
 Changes in appearance of skin (bruising, skin
tone changes)
(800) 615-2270

5. Physical Effects of Mesothelioma (Cont.)
 Lowers energy or ability to walk at normal pace
 Problems with balance and agility
 Wearing oxygen cannulla
 Port-a-cath
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6. Identity as a “Healthy Person”
Prior to mesothelioma diagnosis, many
people identified themselves as healthy
and able-bodied individuals.
Looking “sick” can lead to feeling self-
conscious, low self-esteem and being
treated differently by family and friends.
(800) 615-2270

7. Poor Body Image and Quality of Life
Signs that poor body image is affecting a mesothelioma
patient’s quality of life:
Social isolation (doesn’t
want anyone to see them
looking ill)
Shame at weight loss or gain
Doesn’t want partner or spouse
to see their body
(800) 615-2270

8. Improving Body Image
Remind yourself that many
mesothelioma-related physical
changes are temporary:
Hair will grow back
Weight will stabilize
Scars will fade
Swelling will go away
(800) 615-2270

9. Improving Body Image (Cont.)
 Expect that family and friends will
comment on or ask about changes
in your appearance. It’s normal.
 However, you may not want to
answer every question about how
you look, and it is okay to tell them
you’d rather not talk about it.
(800) 615-2270

10. Improving Body Image (Cont.)
Ask an oncologist or surgeon what to expect
regarding expected treatment-related physical
changes.
Will chemo make
my hair fall out?
Will there be a scar?
How large will it be?
(800) 615-2270

11. Improving Body Image (Cont.)
 If physical changes are permanent, it is normal to
grieve about those changes and losses associated
with them.
 Some mesothelioma patients reach a point where
they see their scars and physical changes as proof
of their strength in their battle with mesothelioma.
(800) 615-2270

12. Improving Body Image (Cont.)
 If limited energy, balance,
range of motion or strength
is affecting your quality of
life and self-confidence, ask
your oncologist to refer you
to a physical therapist for an
evaluation.
(800) 615-2270

13. Your Cancer Does Not Define You
 Cancer does not change your
personality, strengths or
accomplishments.
 Our family and friends love
us for who we are on the
inside, not what we look like
on the outside.
(800) 615-2270

14. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270