Body Image and Adaptation Strategies in Breast Cancer Patients at Selected Stages of the Disease

Authors: Milik-Brzezińska A, Obuchowska A, Pizuńska D and Bidzan M*

DOI: 10.23880/pprij-16000308

Volume 7, Issue 3

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate how body image and coping strategies change at certain stages of breast cancer. Research Approach: longitudinal study Sample/Participants: The study group consisted of 100 breast cancer patients. Half of them qualified for mastectomy and the other half for breast conserving therapy. Methods: The study was conducted using the following tools: the mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (mini-MAC) scale, the Multidimensional Body Self-Regulation Questionnaire (MBSRQ), and a sociodemographic survey. Findings/Conclusions/Interpretation: The obtained results suggest that the type of the procedure does not affect the body image of breast cancer patients—what matters is the fact of undergoing surgery and facing a life-threatening situation. In addition, we found that disease coping strategies and body image change in subsequent stages of the disease. Implications for Psychosocial Providers or Policy: The longitudinal nature of the study broadens the overview of issues concerning body image and strategies for coping with disease adopted by patients. Our conclusions can help develop appropriate therapeutic plans for certain groups of patients

Keywords: Mastectomy; Segmental; Longitudinal studies; Self-concept

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