Associations Between Body Image, Kinesiophobia, and Pain in Women Post-Breast Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors associated with body image, kinesiophobia, pain severity, and pain interference in women following breast cancer (BrCA) treatment. Methods: A convenience sample of women (n = 160) post-BrCA treatment participated in this cross-sectional study. They completed demographic and clinical questionnaires and performed left/right judgment tasks (LRJTs). Regression analyses evaluated factors associated with the Body Image Scale, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) pain severity subscale, and BPI pain interference subscale. Results: Higher quality of life (QoL) and older age were associated with better body image, while mastectomy and greater kinesiophobia were associated with worse body image. Higher QoL, better body image, more exercise time (minutes/week), and mastectomy were associated with less fear of movement. Slower chest LRJT response time, higher pain interference, and reconstructive surgery were associated with greater kinesiophobia. Higher QoL was associated with lower pain severity, while more exercise time was associated with higher pain severity. Higher QoL and slower chest LRJT response time were associated with lower pain interference. More exercise time and greater kinesiophobia were associated with greater pain interference. Conclusion: Poor body image and kinesiophobia are common in women after unilateral BrCA treatment. This study provides evidence on positive and negative associations between several factors associated with body image, fear of movement, pain severity, and pain interference in women following BrCA treatment. There is benefit to including assessment of these predictors and outcomes in research and clinical settings.