“I should feel grateful… but I feel like a stranger in my own skin.”

If you have completed cancer treatment, others may assume you’re “back to normal”, but inernally, everything feels different.

You might look in the mirror and barley recognise yourself.

You may feel uncertain about moving without causing harm.

Your scars– visible or hidden– carry a weight that can be hard to articulate.

Many individuals experience a loss of confidence after cancer treatment– in their bodies, energy levels, and identities. This loss can be profoundly isolating.

Why Confidence Often Fades After Cancer Treatment:

1) Cancer is a traumatic experience– Cancer and it’s treatment can be traumatic, leading to significant psychological distress. Research indicates that survivors often face long-term psychological effects, including anxiety and depression, which can erode self-confidence.

2) Physical Changes Impact Self-Image– Treatments may result in changes such as weight fluctuations, fatigue, scars, lymphedema, and hair loss. These alterations can significantly affect body image and self-esteem. A study found that 37% of survivors reported concerns about body image changes post-treatment.

3) Lack of Post-Treatment Support– After treatment concludes, many survivors feel abandoned, lacking guidance on rebuilding confidence or feeling whole again. The focus often remains on survival, neglecting the importance of quality of life and emotional wellbeing.

4) Persistant Fear and Anxiety– Fear of cancer recurrence is common among survivors, contributing to ongoing anxiety and diminshed confidence. The fear can hinder the ability to move forward and fully engage in life post-treatment.

Steps to Rebuilding Confidence:

1) Engage in Gentle Movement– Incorporating gentle exercises, such as yoga, pilates or specialised cancer rehab programme, can help recoonct with your body and rebuild trust in it’s csapabilities. Movement has been shown to improve mood and reduce fatigue among cancer survivors.

2) Consider Therapeutic Touch– Therapies like massage and scar work can alleviate physical discomfort and promote positive body image. Such interventions have been associated with improved emotional wellbeing in cancer survivors.

3) Practice Self-Compassion– Adopting a compassionate inner dialogue can counteract negative self-perceptions. Recognising and challenging self-critical thoughts is a crucial step toward rebuilding confidence.

4) Seek Supportive communities– Coonecting with others whp have undergone similar experiences can provide validation and encouragement. Support groups offer a spce to share challenges and celebrate progress, fostering a sense of belonging.

These are five local to me and where I also go along and support and be supported.

Clacton: 5K Your Way Move Against Cancer – clactonseafrontgroup@5kyourway.org – we meet once a move for a walk, chat or just to catch up for coffee and a chat

Harwich: Harwich cancer support group – Kelly 07585 559761 – we meet every Wednesday from 10-12 at The Royal Oak – 5K Your Way Move Against Cancer – Harwich group meet at Cliff Park Pavilion on last Saturday of each month

Frinton: Breast Cancer Group – Meet the First Thursday of each month at Oasis Cafe – Anne 07874 064379 – Touched by Cancer coffee and cake meet on a Monday at McGriggor Hall – the.coffeedownload@gmail.com

Try it and see. You will always be made welcome. Look for something local to you. If you can’t find anything, get in touch and I will have a look.

Embracing a New Normal

Surviving cancer is a significant achievement, but the journey does not end there. Rebuilding confidence is an integral part of recovery, allowing you to:

   • Reconnect with your body

   • Rediscover your strengths

   • Reengage with life on your terms

Remember, healing is not linear, and it’s okay to seek support along the way. Confidence will return.

Ready to take the next step? Explore 6-week cancer recovery and wellbeing programme/