Body image and quality of life in women with breast cancer: Appreciating the body and its functionality

In breast cancer survivors, own body image may change due to physical and psychological reasons, worsening women’s living. The aim of the study was to investigate whether body image may affect the functional and quality of life outcomes after a multidisciplinary and educational rehabilitative intervention in sixty women with primary nonmetastatic breast cancer who have undergone conservative surgery. To assess the quality of life was administered The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Study Group on Quality of Life core questionnaire, while to investigate the psychological features and self-image were administered the following scales: the Body Image Scale, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. To assess the recovery of the function of the shoulder were administered: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire and the Constant-Murley Score. Data were collected at the baseline, at the end of the intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. We found a general improvement in the outcomes related to quality of life, and physical and psychological features after treatment (P< 0.001). During follow-up period, a higher further improvement in women without alterations in body image in respect of those with an altered self-perception of their own body was found (P= 0.01). In conclusion, the body image may influence the efficacy of a rehabilitative intervention, especially in the short term of follow-up.

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Effects of a structured exercise program on physical performance and function, quality of life and work ability of physically active breast cancer survivors

Wiener klinische Wochenschrift ◽

10.1007/s00508-020-01739-1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Timothy Hasenöhrl ◽

Stefano Palma ◽

Dominikus F. -X. Huber ◽

Andrej Zdravkovic ◽

Richard Crevenna

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Image ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Physical Performance ◽

Work Ability ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Exercise Program ◽

The Body

Summary Background Purpose of this retrospective data analysis was to depict the effects of a structured off-season conditioning program with breast cancer survivors competing in dragon boat paddling. Methods In this study 10 breast cancer survivors (mean age 52.0 ± 5.4 years) who had finished the primary cancer treatment and who were paddlers of the Vienna Pink Dragon self-help group underwent a structured 10-week exercise program as part of their routine supportive treatment. Upper extremity strength, endurance capacity, shoulder flexibility, quality of life and work ability were assessed at baseline and after completion of the exercise program. Results Out of 10 patients 8 completed more than 80% of the exercise sessions. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) of the pooled exercise effects showed a very large effect size (Η2 = 0.982); however, the change from baseline to follow-up was non-significant (p = 0.363). In the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) the exercise program led to a significant improvement of body image (p = 0.02) and less arm symptoms in the affected arm (p = 0.04). Conclusion A structured and well-planned exercise intervention program can have a large effect on the physical performance of pretrained breast cancer survivors. Moreover, it can increase the body image and decrease the arm symptoms in this population.

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Body Image Disturbances in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy for Breast Cancer

Journal of Evidence Based Medicine and Healthcare ◽

10.18410/jebmh/2020/494 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (42) ◽

pp. 2384-2388

Author(s):

Kavitha Konnakkaparambil Ramakrishnan ◽

Sreekumar Damodaran

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Image ◽

The Body ◽

Body Image Disturbance ◽

Body Image Scale ◽

High Level ◽

Psychosocial Morbidity ◽

Anxiety Depression

BACKGROUND Body image can be defined as a subjective picture of an individual’s own physical appearance established by self-observation and by noticing the reaction of others. Breast cancer and its treatment has been shown to have tremendous impact on the body image of the patients. We wanted to assess the level of body image disturbance in patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer and identify the relation between the body image disturbance and measures of psychosocial morbidity and quality of life. METHODS 35 female patients who had mastectomy for breast cancer were assessed preoperatively, immediately after surgery and 2 months after the surgery. They were administered body image scale questionnaire, HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and WHO QOL BREF. RESULTS Our results showed that 24 out of 35 patients (68.5 %) were Body Image Scale positive at the first interview itself. The number of positive patients increased to 27 at the second interview (77.1 %), but this change was not statistically significant and there was no change from second to third visit. Those who were Body Image Scale Positive had significantly higher anxiety, depression and GHQ12 scores. Those who had a body image disturbance also had a poorer quality of life across all domains. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that there is a high level of body image disturbance in patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer even before surgery. This high level also contributes significantly to their psychosocial morbidity and also negatively affects their quality of life. KEYWORDS Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Quality of Life, Breast Cancer, Mastectomy

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Evaluation of Social Support, Quality of Life, and Body Image in Women with Breast Cancer

Breast Care ◽

10.1159/000443493 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 28-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Roberta Spatuzzi ◽

Anna Vespa ◽

Primo Lorenzi ◽

Guido Miccinesi ◽

Marcello Ricciuti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Social Support ◽

Body Image ◽

Breast Reconstruction ◽

Perceived Social Support ◽

The Body ◽

Life Questionnaire ◽

European Organization

Background: This study was aimed at comparing the quality of life, body image, and perceived social support in women with breast cancer surgery. Patients and Methods: Patients receiving breast-conserving surgery (BCS) (n = 72), mastectomy alone (n = 44), and mastectomy with breast reconstruction (n = 41) were evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the EORTC Breast Cancer Module (QLQ-BR23), the Body Image Scale (BIS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results: The results indicated that the BCS group had a better body image compared with the other 2 groups and better role functioning compared with the mastectomy-alone group. In the reconstruction group, body image correlated with perceived social support, especially from family and significant others. Conclusion: These results suggest that a positive perception of a supportive social network can help women with breast reconstruction to better cope with the psychological effects of surgery on their body image.

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The body image disturbance questionnaire-scoliosis better correlates to quality of life measurements than the spinal assessment questionnaire in pediatric idiopathic scoliosis

Spine Deformity ◽

10.1007/s43390-021-00358-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jennifer M. Bauer

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Image ◽

Idiopathic Scoliosis ◽

The Body ◽

Body Image Disturbance ◽

Assessment Questionnaire ◽

Quality Of Life Measurements

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Pilates and dance to patients with breast cancer undergoing treatment: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial – MoveMama study

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-019-3874-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Leonessa Boing ◽

Tatiana do Bem Fretta ◽

Melissa de Carvalho Souza Vieira ◽

Gustavo Soares Pereira ◽

Jéssica Moratelli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Body Image ◽

Side Effects ◽

Sleep Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Belly Dance ◽

Belly Dancing

Abstract Background Breast cancer is a global public health issue. The side effects of the clinical treatment can decrease the quality of life of these women. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle is essential to minimize the physical and psychological side effects of treatment. Physical activity has several benefits for women with breast cancer, and Pilates solo and belly dancing can be an enjoyable type of physical activity for women with breast cancer undergoing clinical treatment. The purpose of this study is to provide a Pilates solo and a belly dance protocol (three times per week/16 weeks) for women undergoing breast cancer treatment and compare its effectiveness with that in the control group. Methods The participants will be allocated to either the intervention arm (Pilates solo or belly dance classes three times per week for 16 weeks) or a control group (receipt of a booklet on physical activity for patients with breast cancer and maintenance of habitual physical activity routine). The Pilates solo and belly dance classes will be divided into three stages: warmup and stretching, the main stage, and relaxation. Measurements of the study outcomes will take place at baseline; postintervention; and 6, 12, and 24 months after the end of the intervention (maintenance period). The data collection for both groups will occur with a paper questionnaire and tests covering general and clinical information. The primary outcome will be quality of life (EORT QLQ-C30 and EORT QLQ-BR23), and secondary outcomes will be physical aspects such as cardiorespiratory fitness (6-min walk test and cycle ergometer), lymphedema (sum of arm circumference), physical activity (IPAQ short version), disabilities of the arm (DASH), range of motion (goniometer test), muscular strength (dynamometer test) and flexibility (sit and reach test), and psychological aspects such as depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), body image (Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg), fatigue (FACT-F), pain (VAS), sexual function (FSFI), and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index). Discussion In view of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women, the implementation of a specific protocol of Pilates solo and belly dancing for patients with breast cancer is important, considering the necessity to improve their physical and psychological quality of life. Pilates solo and belly dancing are two types of physical activity that involve mental and physical concentration, music, upper limb movements, femininity, and social involvement. An intervention with these two physical activities could offer options of supportive care to women with breast cancer undergoing treatment, with the aim being to improve physical and psychological quality of life. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03194997. Registration date 12 August 2017. Universal Trial Number (World Health Organization), U1111-1195-1623.

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Dynamic Changes Of Body Image And Quality Of Life In Breast Cancer Patients

Cancer Management and Research ◽

10.2147/cmar.s223314 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol Volume 11 ◽

pp. 10563-10571 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tzu-Yi Wu ◽

Tsai-Wang Chang ◽

Sheng-Mao Chang ◽

Yun-Ying Lin ◽

Jung-Der Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Image ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Dynamic Changes

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Psychological Reactions, Quality of Life, and Body Image After Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy in Women At High Risk for Breast Cancer: A Prospective 1-Year Follow-Up Study

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2007.13.9568 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 26 (24) ◽

pp. 3943-3949 ◽

Cited By ~ 153

Author(s):

Yvonne Brandberg ◽

Kerstin Sandelin ◽

Staffan Erikson ◽

Göran Jurell ◽

Annelie Liljegren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Quality Of Life ◽

Body Image ◽

Prophylactic Mastectomy ◽

Sexual Pleasure ◽

Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

The Impact ◽

Over Time

Purpose To prospectively evaluate body image, sexuality, emotional reactions (anxiety, depression), and quality of life in a sample of women having increased risk for breast cancer before and 6 months and 1 year after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM), and to compare preoperative expectations of the operation with postoperative reactions concerning the impact on six areas of the women's lives. Patients and Methods A total of 90 of 98 consecutive women who underwent BPM during October 1997 to December 2005 were included. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires (eg, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Swedish Short Term-36 Health Survey, Body Image Scale, Sexual Activity Questionnaire) before the operation (n = 81), and 6 (n = 71) and 12 months (n = 65) after BPM. Results Anxiety decreased over time (P = .0004). No corresponding difference was found for depression. No differences in health-related quality of life over time were found, with one exception. A substantial proportion of the women reported problems with body image 1 year after BPM (eg, self consciousness, 48%; feeling less sexually attractive, 48%; and dissatisfaction with the scars, 44%). Sexual pleasure was rated lower 1-year post-BPM as compared with before operation (P = .005), but no differences over time in habit, discomfort, or activity were found. Conclusion No negative effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life were found. Anxiety and social activities improved. Negative impact on sexuality and body image was reported.

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