Reconstruction of feminine identity: the strategies of women with breast cancer to cope with body image altered

Abstract

BackgroundBody image altered is the most important psychosocial concern associated with breast cancer. Yet, there is a paucity of information regarding strategies for coping with this problem. This study aimed to explore Iranian breast cancer women’s strategies for coping with body image altered.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in 2016–2017. A purposive sample of 36 women with breast cancer was selected with maximum variation from three health care centers in Alborz Province, Iran. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and analyzed by performing conventional qualitative content analysis.ResultsThe main theme of the study was “reconstruction of feminine identity” with the six main categories of physical appearance improvement, active information seeking, self-care for managing limits, psychological self-empowerment, maintaining maternal role, and maintaining wife role.ConclusionIranian breast cancer women’s strategies for coping with body image altered are multidimensional and are mainly based on personal resources. Breast cancer women use these strategies to reconstruction of their feminine identity. Health policy-makers can use the findings of the present study to develop interventions and programs for improving breast cancer women’s body image care.

Stress, coping strategies and expectations among breast cancer survivors in China: a qualitative study

“…In this study, some Chinese BCSs emphasized that their body changes, fear of relapse, and rejection from others were also the sources of stress. Similar findings were reported in another study that body change can bring stress to the survivors, and it also mentioned BCSs used makeup, hairpiece and breast reconstruction to conceal their physical defects [ 34 ]. Therefore, our findings add to the strong evidence of the important role of therapists’ professional psychological counseling.…”

Life situations of Swedish women after mastectomy due to breast cancer: A qualitative study

“…Body image is a complex post-treatment concern, especially for younger women with breast cancer (Paterson et al, 2016). Recovery of body image after mastectomy is essential for the physical and mental quality of life (Marín-Gutzke and Sánchez-Olaso, 2010;Zeighami Mohammadi et al, 2018) and for regained emotional wholeness (Howes et al, 2016;Siqueira et al, 2020). In addition, the finding that after reconstruction the younger participants felt like women again, with improved appearance and sexuality, agrees with previous studies (Fallbjork et al, 2012;Panchal and Mathos, 2017).…”

Women with breast cancer living with one breast after a mastectomy

“…Breast loss caused by mastectomy is considered by many women as a serious blow to their self-identity and feelings (Przezdziecki et al, 2013). Therefore, many women lose their femininity and selfconfidence after losing their breasts due to mastectomy (Sabo & Thibeault, 2012;Zeighami Mohammadi et al, 2018). Improving appearance is one of the main strategies used by participants.…”

“…Previous studies have also reported that women in British Columbia use make-up, prosthesis, wigs, scarves, veils, tattoos, and breast reconstruction to conceal or correct their physical defects (Zeighami Mohammadi et al, 2018). Physical changes make women feel limited control over their physical appearance, thus making them frustrated and anxious and undermining their self-confidence.…”

“…Previous studies reported that due to limited arm movements after surgery, women felt unable to carry out daily shopping, cleaning the room, and washing clothes (Fu & Rosedale, 2009), and after a mastectomy, women experience losses related to what they could easily do in the past. This situation may affect their emotional response and ultimately negatively affect their body image (Zeighami Mohammadi et al, 2018). After losing their breasts, some women want to avoid socializing because they feel unsafe to change their appearance (Begovic-Juhant et al, 2012).…”