Body Image in Younger Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Background Body image is a complex issue with the potential to impact many aspects of cancer survivorship, particularly for the younger breast cancer survivor. Objective The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current state of the science for body image in younger women with breast cancer. Intervention/Methods Combinations of the terms “body image,” “sexuality intervention,” “women,” “younger women,” and “breast cancer” were searched in the PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge and Science Direct databases through January 2014. Inclusion criteria for this review were: 1) original research; 2) published in English from the year 2000 forward; 3) measuring body image as an outcome variable; and 4) results included reporting of age-related outcomes. Results Thirty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were cross-sectional, with extensive variation in body image assessment tools. Age and treatment type had a significant impact on body image, and poorer body image was related to physical and psychological distress, sex and intimacy, and the partnered relationship among younger women. Only one intervention study found a significant improvement in body image post-intervention. Conclusions Findings suggest body image is a complex post-treatment concern for breast cancer survivors, particularly younger women. The findings of this review are limited by the high level of variation in the methods for assessing body image. Implications for Practice Further research of interventions to address body image concerns following treatment for breast cancer is warranted. Improvement of body image may improve the quality of life of younger breast cancer survivors.

Adaptation of the Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire in the Polish context: factorial structure and validity of the scale

“…The psychological importance of life-threatening and cancer-related changes in body attributes (e.g., breast) probably matters more for women with breast cancer than the aspect related to their mental representation of body attributes (e.g., size). Illness and its medical treatment, often accompanied by surgery and hormonal therapy, may evoke multifold changes in body perception of an ill woman, including sensory changes within the breast, chest, armpit or arm, but also in feelings of sexual attractiveness and comfort during sexual intimacy (Fallbjӧrk, Rasmussen, Karlsson, & Salander, 2013;Paterson, Lengacher, Donovan, Kip, & Tofthagen, 2016). Breast conservation or mastectomy surgery may trigger more global problems within body image, identity, mood, self-esteem, sexuality, self-satisfaction, and decrease in life satisfaction.…”

Self-Image and Sexuality Issues among Young Women with Breast Cancer: Practical Recommendations

“…From a developmental perspective, it is notable that the younger stages of life typically center on building self-confidence and developing a strong relationship with oneself and intimate others. When young breast cancer survivors are forced to adjust to significant physical changes during this sensitive developmental period, there is often a notable sense of loss around their physical functionality and attractiveness 12 .…”

A comparison of younger and older couples coping with breast cancer : examining the relationship among mutuality, dyadic coping, and quality of life of patients and partners.

“…However, the possibility of reconstruction mitigates the risk for body image concerns and seems to promote the ability to enjoy intimacy with a partner, as 80% of younger survivors who were not offered reconstruction continued to covered their body during intimate contacts (Andrzejczak, Markocka-Maczka, & Lewandowski, 2013). The importance of body image for this group of patients has been confirmed by studies that examined its association with physical and psychological distress, impaired sexual functioning, and intimacy (Paterson et al, 2016). Very concerning is the fact that body image issues do not improve with time, with more negative indications in the treatment phase and again after one year (Bloom, Stewart, Chnag & Banks, 2004;Biglia et al, 2010).…”

“…A negative body image has often been associated with greater sexual issues (Paterson et al, 2016). Sexual problems of younger breast cancer patients include vaginal dryness, reduced frequency of sexual activity and reduced breast sensitivity (Baucom et al, 2005;Carr, 2013;Cebeci, Yangin & Tekeli, 2010).…”

“…Furthermore, as treatment is often more aggressive than for older patients, younger women who undergo mastectomy and receive radiation present more numerous complaints compared to patients receiving breast-conserving surgery (Avis et al, 2005;Biglia et al, 2010;Paterson, Lengacher, Donovan, Kip, & Tofthagen, 2016). However, the possibility of reconstruction mitigates the risk for body image concerns and seems to promote the ability to enjoy intimacy with a partner, as 80% of younger survivors who were not offered reconstruction continued to covered their body during intimate contacts (Andrzejczak, Markocka-Maczka, & Lewandowski, 2013).…”