Body image in colorectal cancer patients: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective To assess changes in body image distress (BID) over time, identify factors associated with BID, and explore the mediating role of body image on the longitudinal association between stoma status (permanent stoma, temporary stoma, or nonstoma) and psychological distress in postoperative colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in China. Methods Participants (N = 255) 1–2 weeks postsurgery completed self‐report questionnaires assessing BID (Body Image Scale) and psychosocial distress (Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); 212 (83%) completed 6‐month follow‐up surveys. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with BID for longitudinal data analysis. Results A total of 46.7% of participants reported BID at follow‐up. Prevalence of BID and BID scores did not significantly change over time in the total sample. Body image scores decreased in patients whose temporary stoma was removed during follow‐up (p < 0.05). Prevalence of BID decreased in nonstoma patients at follow‐up (p < 0.05). There were significant decreases in the prevalence and scores of distress, anxiety, and depression between baseline and follow‐up (p < 0.001). Stoma presence, later clinical stages, greater distress, anxiety, and depression were risk factors for poorer body image. Body image had partial mediating effects on the longitudinal association between stoma status and distress. Conclusions Our findings indicate that BID remains stable even as psychological distress decreases. BID should be addressed early postoperation to avoid persistent impairment in CRC patients.

Body Image Issues in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

“…29,30,52,56,57,59,64,65 However, patients with a stoma tended to report body image distress consistently over time and even worsening of distress. 22,24,31,33,47,49,71 ADJUVANT THERAPY Patients who underwent adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery reported worse body image than patients who did not at 1-and 2year follow-ups. 37,42,70…”

Body Image Concerns in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Longitudinal Study

“…Body image concerns have found to be prevalent in many cancer patient demographics particularly in adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer ( Barakat et al, 2016 ; Vani et al, 2021 ). Not only are body image concerns seen in patients of many ages but past research also suggests that patients of a variety of cancers are at risk for developing body image concern including head and neck cancer, colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, gynecological cancer, and breast cancers ( Li and Rew, 2010 ; Sacerdoti et al, 2010 ; Rossen et al, 2012 ; Latifi et al, 2020 ; Song et al, 2021 ).…”

Understanding the psychosocial impact of colorectal cancer on young‐onset patients: A scoping review

“…For CRC in particular, patients may experience sexual dysfunction, urinary problems and loss of normal bowel function after undergoing rectal resection 12 . Some patients may also require an ostomy, a surgically created opening to allow discharge of waste from body, which can negatively impact body image 13 . Given that the incidence of young‐onset CRC continues to rise worldwide, there is a need to better understand the psychosocial impact of this specific disease in younger adults.…”