Self-concept, body image, and use of unconventional therapies in patients with gynaecological malignancies in the state of complete remission and recurrence.
OBJECTIVE
Are there differences in self-concept and body image in patients with cancer recurrence in comparison to patients with complete remission? What impact has cancer recurrence on use, users and non-users of unconventional cancer therapies?


METHODS
One hundred and nine patients with no evidence of disease after gynaecological cancer and sixty-one patients with recurrent disease were analysed for self-concept with the Frankfurter Selbstkonzeptskalen and body image with the Frankfurter Körperkonzeptskalen. Use and motivation for unconventional therapies was assessed with a questionnaire.


RESULTS
With respect to frequency of use and expected benefits of unconventional therapies no differences were observed between the groups. However, cancer recurrence was found to induce considerable changes of self-concept and body image, some indicating even positive changes due to cancer recurrence.


CONCLUSIONS
It may be beneficial to consider body therapy and psychotherapy as a mean to improve body image and self-esteem in cases with cancer recurrence.
Kullmer
U
U
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Giessen, Germany.
Stenger
K
K
Milch
W
W
Zygmunt
M
M
Sachsse
S
S
Münstedt
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000523:psychology*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D012074:Remission Induction; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology