Asian Oncol Nurs.  2014 Sep;14(3):155-161. 10.5388/aon.2014.14.3.155.

Body Image and Physical suffering during Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients Following Breast Conserving Operations

• Han MO
• Park JY

• KMID: 2269453
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5388/aon.2014.14.3.155

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purposes of this study were to identify body image changes and physical suffering during radiotherapy among breast cancer patients following breast conserving operations and establish correlations between the two.
METHODS
Twenty seven patients were recruited in this survey design. Patient interviews and patient-reported questionnaires were used to collect data from March 1 to July 30, 2013. The questionnaire included 18 items about body image and 10 items about physical suffering.
RESULTS
Patients' body image during radiotherapy following breast conserving operation turned significantly negative. Likewise, patients' physical suffering increased significantly during radiotherapy. Body image and physical suffering were inversely correlated (p=.031).
CONCLUSION
Breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy following breast conserving operations go through changes in body image. Timely and proper interventions for physical suffering during radiotherapy would help to set up and maintain a positive body image.

Keyword

Breast Neoplasms; Surgery; Radiotherapy; Body Image; Physical Suffering

MeSH Terms

Body Image*
Breast Neoplasms*
Breast*
Humans
Radiotherapy*
Surveys and Questionnaires