Body image and psychological distress in women with breast cancer: a French online survey on patients' perceptions and expectations

Breast Cancer. 2018 May;25(3):303-308. doi: 10.1007/s12282-017-0828-2. Epub 2017 Dec 29.

Abstract

Background: Altered body image caused by alopecia, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or mastectomy is a major source of psychological distress in women with breast cancer.

Objective: To identify and to assess patients' perceptions and expectations regarding altered body image.

Method: Opinion survey conducted among patients treated for breast cancer and member of French online support groups. Anonymous online self-administered survey sent to women with breast cancer.

Results: 85% of the women interviewed experienced alopecia during treatment and 67% of them loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. About half of patients suffering alopecia and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes reported fearing what others think. Mastectomy was experienced by 84% of the women in our study, but only 32% of them reported fearing what others think. 87% of our study cohort received information about the possibility of adverse events. 70, 56, and 60% of women felt helped by information they received for the management of alopecia, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or mastectomy, respectively.

Conclusion: This study confirms that altered body image is a critical psychosocial issue for women with breast cancer. Effective information can be a source of reassurance and may constitute one of the most important sources of emotional support.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Breast cancer; Community pharmacy; Pharmaceutical care; Quality of life.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / chemically induced
  • Alopecia / psychology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception
  • Quality of Life
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents