Body image dissatisfaction in cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To explore medical and psychosocial factors associated with body image dissatisfaction in male and female cancer survivors.


METHODS
Secondary data analysis from the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors-II pilot survey.


METHODS
Cancer survivors were identified through two state cancer registry databases.


METHODS
165 male and 234 female cancer survivors of six cancer types (bladder, female breast, colorectal, endometrial, prostate, and melanoma) who were 2, 5, and 10 years beyond diagnosis.


METHODS
Researchers notified physicians prior to participant recruitment. State cancer registries contacted potential participants via mailed letters. Participants who gave their informed consent completed a written survey.


METHODS
Current body image dissatisfaction, mental and physical health, sexual functioning, and basic medical and demographic information.


RESULTS
Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that male survivors of prostate cancer were more likely to express positive body images than men who had other types of cancer. A composite variable that included a history of cancer recurrence, multiple cancers, or metastatic cancer was the strongest predictor of body image dissatisfaction for female survivors. Body image was not associated with age, length of time since diagnosis, or general treatment type for either gender.


CONCLUSIONS
Body image was associated with various medical and psychosocial factors, and the factors differed for male and female cancer survivors.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of factors associated with body image is essential for the nursing care of patients with cancer.
DeFrank
Jessica T
JT
The Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. defrank@email.unc.edu
Mehta
C Christina Bahn
CC
Stein
Kevin D
KD
Baker
Frank
F
D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D017678:Sex Distribution; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology