Our global survey across 9 locations reveals facts about changes in appearance from cancer treatment.

We conducted an attitude survey in 9 areas worldwide targeting 1,350 people who have had cancer. More than 90% of the respondents (94.7% for men and 93.4% for women) experienced changes in their appearance or skin conditions, and that affected their attitudes and behaviors, as 84.9% reported they felt depressed or discouraged as a result.

Survey overview

Survey overview: Attitudes and behaviors pertaining to changes in appearance accompanying cancer treatment
Locations: China (Shanghai), China (Sichuan), Germany, France, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Subject criteria: Male and female cancer survivors (people in their 20s through 50s who have had cancer)
Valid responses: 50 males per area ☓ 9 areas (total 450), 100 females per area ☓ 9 areas (900), total 1,350
Survey period: May 12 - June 16, 2022
Method: Online survey

Summary of the results

The numbers are the total of male and female replies. The asterisks indicate multiple answers were allowed.

93.9%* of the respondents who have had cancer experienced changes in their appearance or skin conditions, and 80.9% felt the need for appearance care to address them.
The most notable change was hair loss on the head, as reported by 59.3%, followed by changes in skin tone (43.9%), loss of eyebrow hairs (31.9%), and loss of eyelashes (26.1%).*
Among the respondents who experienced changes in their skin tones, 40.3% had black pigmentation, 30.3% had brown pigmentation, 29.3% had a pale and dull complexion, and 26.2% said their dark spots turned darker.* Also, 79.1% addressed them with appearance care, including covering them with foundation.
38.7% said these visible changes triggered anxiety about their daily lives. They felt depressed (35.3%), discouraged in general (29.6%), and demoralized about the treatment, confirming the effects of these changes on their attitudes and behaviors.*
The respondents sought advice on changes in their appearance mostly from medical professionals, as 66.7% consulted a doctor and 37.5%, a nurse, while 29.1% confided in a family member.* This finding shows the importance of the information about appearance care that medical professionals provide to support people living with cancer.
To find information on appearance care, 71.0% reached out to someone, and 62.3% searched on the Internet (including SNS).*
Compared to the other areas, the respondents in Japan found it harder to discuss changes in their looks with others. This indicates the urgency in Japan to create a social environment where it is easier for patients to get advice.

Investigation results

Respondent attributes

Whether or not treatment caused a visible change in appearance (Total of all the regions)

Changes in appearance caused by treatment (Multiple answers allowed)

Need for appearance care to address visible changes

Changes in facial skin tone felt during treatment (multiple answers)

Respondents: Those who experienced changes in their facial skin tone

Incidence rate of changes in facial skin tone and implementation rate of appearance care to address them

Whether or not changes in their appearance from treatment affected their attitudes or behaviors

Emotions and experiences that accompanied changes in appearance (multiple answers)

Person to ask for advice on appearance care (multiple answers)

Respondents: Those who addressed changes in their appearance

Source of information on appearance care (multiple answers)

Respondents: Those who experienced changes in their appearance