Effect of Continuous Care Model on Body Image Among Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Body image disturbance is a common complication after chemotherapy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of continuous care model on body image among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 78 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Ahwaz, Iran in 2013. Firstly, paired subjects were selected among identical subjects, and were randomly assigned to study and control groups. In the study group, continuous care model was administrated, and body image evaluation questionnaire was adopted to evaluate cancer patients' body image. Body image was assessed in two time points (once before the intervention on day four of chemotherapy and once again two months after the intervention). Data were analyzed by independent t-test and chi-square test using SPSS16.

Patient‐centred communication for women with breast cancer: Relation to body image perception

“…The alteration in the body image has multiple implications in the life of the woman, affecting relations with her social circle and with herself, influencing her self‐esteem and sense of femininity and possibly leading to symptoms of anxiety and depression (Almeida et al., 2012). Need for mastectomy occurs in about 81% of cases with BC, with the alteration that follows the procedure causing physical, psychological and social issues for patients which may manifest as negative change in BI perception, stress, depression and decreased confidence (Elahi et al., 2017). Disruption of body integrity following mastectomy or lumpectomy can result in feeling unattractive, feeling incomplete and may produce feelings of shame during social interactions (Henry et al., 2014) leading to social stigma and isolation (Lebel et al., 2013).…”