Cancer and Body Confidence

25 August 2026 — lia-rogers

When you’re dealing with cancer, it’s easy to say that the way you look should be the last thing on your mind. Of course, relatively speaking, it doesn’t matter. But for most people, changes to the way they look have a profound impact on how they feel. Some are happy to leave their new bodies as they are – scars, hairloss and all – but if you need some help to feel yourself again, there are organisations all over the UK on a mission to rebuild your body confidence.

The Nipple Innovation Project (NIP) offers free, permanent 3D nipple tattoos by trained tattoo artists to people who have had a mastectomy. The aim is to help you regain confidence through a permanent, non-fading tattoo that gives the illusion of being three-dimensional. Other mastectomy support you can find on Cancer Care Map includes Boost – which is a breast form service offering fittings and advice for people who have had breast cancer treatment and want to wear a breast form or prosthesis, Knitted Knockers – crocheted breast prostheses made entirely of soft, comfortable and breathable cotton, and Amoena – lingerie and undergarment specialists for people who have had breast surgery or a mastectomy. There are also groups like Flat Friends, a charity and support network helping women who have had, or are facing, single or double mastectomy surgery without breast reconstruction. 

Hair loss is a common, but often distressing, side-effect of cancer treatment. Cancer Hair Care is an organisation offering free, expert advice and support on all aspects of hair loss, hair loss prevention and hair care, before, during and after cancer treatments. They offer female and male services that cover all age ranges, taking into account the individual and their needs. Hair Reborn has a free haircare programme offering up to 3 free visits at a Hair Reborn appointed salon that can give ongoing advice and support during your treatment journey, with over 30 appointed locations nationwide. If you would like to have a wig as an option but don’t have a huge budget, Wigbank is a network of wig banks offering wigs for sale at affordable prices to people living with cancer. People donate pre-loved or new wigs to a wig bank which washes, conditions and disinfects the item, then offers it for sale from £10 upwards. It also makes a donation from each sale to a cancer charity. And REVAMP collects donated wigs and restores them professionally, giving  them to people who need them most, for free. Donate a wig that you no longer need or request a wig online. See their website for more information. For those who prefer a hat or scarf, there are lots of chemo headwear companies to check out, including DJC Boutique, Masumi and Anna Bandana.

Knowing what to wear during certain cancer treatments can be tricky. Well Cool Clothing has recently been added to Cancer Care Map. It aims to make medical care easier, more dignified and more comfortable. They have created accessible clothing for people of all ages, specially designed to allow access for central lines such as port-a-caths, Hickman, PICC and other procedures. 

Living with a stoma – after treatment for bowel or bladder cancer for example – can be a huge adjustment. Colostomy UK is a charity providing support, advice and information to people living with and affected by stomas. It offers support groups, carer workshops, a telephone befriending service, a 24-hour helpline and a private facebook group. If you’re after something more personalised, you’ll also find organisations like Friends With Stomas on Cancer Care Map. This is peer support and online mentoring service from Melanie who does not offer clinical advice but has had rectal cancer and lives with a stoma. She offers paid online mentoring which aims to build confidence and understanding at your own pace. Melanie also runs two free social groups in Hertfordshire on a monthly basis.

During chemotherapy and other treatments, a flexible tube called a PICC line is put into the arm. These are usually left in for a time. PICC-Me is a company that designs, manufactures and sells fabric PICC line covers and sleeves in over 20 colours and designs. Their sleeves are created to reflect a wide range of personalities and styles to either discreetly cover a PICC line, or be bold and colourful. They also sell chemo pump bags with adjustable belts to fit 3 waist sizes.

Changing Faces is a charity providing advice and support to people living with a mark, scar or condition that makes them look different. It offers a skin camouflage service, support and information line, counselling, an online chat forum, workshops, and online adult support groups.

Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors can offer professional advice on caring for skin, nails and hair, defining sparse brows and lashes, and how to use products to hide changes or enhance facial features. Consultations are free and an appointment isn’t always necessary. Head to the Boots website to search for your nearest location and for more details. The Look Good, Feel Better charity offers online and face-to-face beauty, grooming, health and wellbeing workshops, alongside advice and tutorials to boost confidence and deal with physical changes following treatment or surgery. They also run online group sessions specifically for young adults.

And if movement is the key to helping you feel confident in your body again, there are of course plenty of options available, like Move Dance Feel – online dance sessions for women living with or beyond cancer. But more on that another time…