Self-esteem and body image
In a study of melanoma survivors by Oliveria et al. survivors ‘cited concern about their body image due to surgical scars […] for example, one survivor considered leaving his position in sales as he worried that his facial scars would negatively affect his ability to perform his job’ [18].
Melanoma and its treatments can affect how a person perceives their own body, which also can be linked closely to their own individual self-esteem. Cancer or cancer treatments which result in scars, hair loss and skin change may change how you view your body. Some of these changes can be temporary or permanent, although most melanomas treated with surgery will leave small scars. Every patient will react differently to these changes and having understanding and support from family, friends and/or a mental health professional can be incredibly helpful.
Sometimes larger surgical wounds require reconstructive surgery to restore a person’s appearance. Some treatment centres may have a make-up specialist who can show a person how to cover scars [19].
Anxiety, sun exposure and fear of recurrence
‘When I don’t think I’m going to be out and I end up having to be out, you get stressed. Like I’m outside for a half hour and I’m like, “I’ve got to get out of the sun. I don’t have anything on.”
– Melanoma survivor
In the same study by Oliveria et al. melanoma survivors frequently discussed the importance of enhanced sun protection strategies after they were diagnosed, although many relapsed when they found those sun protection behaviors were interfering with their ability to live their lives. Survivors expressed the desire to enjoy the activities they liked while being able to use methods of sun protection that they were comfortable with [20].
And while it is important to practice and maintain sun protection strategies that protect yourself, your family and friends, changes in behavioral patterns such as avoiding the outdoors or constant self-skin examinations is a strong indication that you should seek out support.
Fear of disease recurrence is very real for people who have been diagnosed with melanoma. Learning how to deal with those fears is important to maintaining a good quality of life. In addition to the support offered by the treatment team, a mental health professional, such as a social worker or counsellor, can help people to learn how to cope [21].
[18] Oliveria, Susan A., Elyse Shuk, Jennifer L. Hay, Maureen Heneghan, Jacqueline M. Goulart, Katherine Panageas, Alan C. Geller, and Allan C. Halpern. “Melanoma Survivors: Health Behaviors, Surveillance, Psychosocial Factors, and Family Concerns.” Psycho-Oncology 22 (2013): 106-16. Wiley Online Library. University of Victoria, 6 Oct. 2011. Web. 20 July 2015.
[19]“Skin Camouflage Make-up Specialist”. North Bristol NHS Trust, n.d. https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/bristol-laser-centre/laser-treatments/skin-camouflage-make-specialist
[20] Oliveria, Susan A., Elyse Shuk, Jennifer L. Hay, Maureen Heneghan, Jacqueline M. Goulart, Katherine Panageas, Alan C. Geller, and Allan C. Halpern. “Melanoma Survivors: Health Behaviors, Surveillance, Psychosocial Factors, and Family Concerns.” Psycho-Oncology 22 (2013): 106-16. Wiley Online Library. University of Victoria, 6 Oct. 2011. Web. 20 July 2015.
[21] “Supportive Care for Melanoma.” Canadian Cancer Society. Canadian Cancer Society, 2015. Web. 20 July 2015.