A Comparative Study of Body Image and Coping Style in Breast Cancer Patients.
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Date
2012-04
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Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and leading cause of
death in women. It not only encompasses physical but also social and psychological implications
because of the importance of the breast in feminity, sexuality and motherhood. It leads to the
fear of disfigurement, disability, dependence and disruption of relationships. Very few studies
assessed the psychological aspect of cancer causing altered feminity and fear of death. Aims
and Objectives: To assess the coping skills, death anxiety and body image in breast cancer
patients, who have undergone mastectomy and who have been treated nonsurgically. Methods:
45 female in the age group of 25 years to 55 years who were aware of their diagnosis and had
undergone mastectomy or treated nonsurgically between three months to twelve months at the
time of inclusion were assessed on body image index, coping strategy checklist and death
anxiety scale. Results and Conclusion: There were no significant differences in total coping
scores between two groups but denial was used significantly higher by the patient of mastectomy
group. Body image was found to be significantly better in joint family patients while patients
with nuclear family had higher psychological distress. Thus types of treatment, socioeconomic
and family status have important psychological implication in breast cancer patients.
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Keywords
Body image, breast cancer, coping skills, death anxiety
Citation
Gupta Bandna, Yaduvanshi Rakesh, Trivedi J K, Nischal Anil. A Comparative Study of Body Image and Coping Style in Breast Cancer Patients. Delhi Psychiatry journal. 2012 Apr; 15 (1): 177-182.