Body image and psychosocial effects in women after treatment of breast cancer: A prospective study

Inge Scheel Andersen, Ditte Mee Ran Jensen, Kasper Grosen, Kristine Tang Bennedsgaard, Lise Ventzel, Nanna Brix Finnerup*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal/Conference contribution in journal/Contribution to newspaperJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: To explore treatment-related, socio-economic, and psychological factors influencing body image and return to work. Materials and methods: 137 patients participated in the study. A questionnaire was completed before surgery and at 1-year follow-up, where patients were also interviewed in person with questions modified from the Body Image Scale and the sexual adjustment scale as well as questions about their work status. Results: There was a significant decline in body image score from baseline to 1-year follow-up related to younger age, more extensive surgery and post-surgery treatments. Treatment with adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with a lower rating on ability to work in relation to mental requirements and later return to work. Higher anxiety scores at baseline were associated with both a decline in body image and a delay in return to work. Conclusion: Breast cancer surgery can affect body image and especially adjuvant chemotherapy seems to affect work ability. However, personal characteristics are also involved and thus should be considered when planning for treatment of breast cancer.

Original languageEnglish
Article number115895
JournalAmerican Journal of Surgery
Volume237
ISSN0002-9610
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Keywords

  • Body image
  • Breast cancer
  • Health-related quality of life
  • Return to work

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