The Impact of Cancer and Its Therapies on Body Image and Sexuality

Carr, Susan

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-85702-8_4

Cited by 1 publication

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“…In the literature, some studies examining especially body image in patients with cancer are available [ 16 , 17 ]. Studies mainly focused on the body image of younger patients who have specific cancer such as breast or head and neck cancers or social appearance anxiety of adolescents.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Body image and social appearance anxiety in patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy: a cross-sectional study

Arıkan,

Kartöz,

Karakuş

et al. 2024

BMC Psychol

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Background The body image of patients with cancer can be negatively affected due to treatment toxicities. Changes in body image may cause patients to experience social appearance anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the body image and social appearance anxiety of patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted with 153 patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy in a university hospital. The data were collected with a Patient Information Form, the Body Image Scale, and the Social Appearance Anxiety Scale and the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Skin Toxicity Criteria. Results Patients’ mean body image score was 15.18 ± 8.26 (min = 0, max = 30), mean social appearance anxiety score was 45.29 ± 14.50 (min = 16, max = 80). Patients with low education levels and low-income levels had higher body image and social appearance anxiety scores (p < 0.01). Body image and social appearance anxiety scores were found to be higher in patients with advanced cancer, grade III-IV skin toxicity, pain, fatigue, and constipation (p < 0.05). Conclusions Radiotherapy may negatively affect body image and social appearance anxiety. Assessments of body image and social appearance anxiety regularly before, during, and after treatment are essential. Psychosocial support should be provided to patients to reduce body image and social appearance anxiety and increase their well-being. Patients with cancer especially those who have low income and education levels, advanced cancer stage and skin toxicity, and suffer from pain, fatigue, constipation, etc. should be supported by methods such as counseling and social support groups.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%