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Body Image—An Important Dimension in Cancer Care

Body image is a critical psychosocial issue for patients with cancer due to the profound effects the disease and its treatment can have on appearance and bodily functioning. A rapidly growing body of scientific research demonstrates adverse psychological effects of body image changes associated with cancer, which can include debilitating levels of anxiety, social avoidance, depression, problems with intimacy and sexuality, and feelings of shame/inadequacy. In this chapter, a broad overview of seminal research on body image and cancer with the ultimate goal of helping readers better identify, evaluate, and treat psychosocial difficulties stemming from body image concerns in the oncology setting is provided. Attention is given to defining the construct of body image and reviewing emerging theoretical frameworks related to body image and cancer. A brief summary of what is known about the risk factors of body image disturbance across cancer types is presented. Finally, current approaches to assessment, along with a review of treatment interventions with clinical implications, are discussed.