The Body after Cancer: A Qualitative Study on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Body Representation

Valeria Sebri (), Ilaria Durosini, Davide Mazzoni and Gabriella Pravettoni
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Valeria Sebri: Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Ilaria Durosini: Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
Davide Mazzoni: Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
Gabriella Pravettoni: Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: Objective: The relationship with the body is a relevant issue for breast cancer survivors. Oncological treatments damage their bodies due to scars, weight gain, and other side effects. Starting from the efficacy of psychological interventions for breast cancer survivors, a tailored psychological support program was provided to promote overall well-being after illness dealing with bodily signals and related emotions and thoughts. This study presents changes in the description of the relationship with their bodies as well as participants’ emotions and thoughts before and after a psychological intervention. Methods and Measures: Eighteen women answered questions related to their bodies before and after the psychological intervention. Results were analyzed in accordance with the procedure of the Word Association Analysis through the T-Lab software and the Qualitative Thematic Analysis. Results: Participants reported a great awareness of their bodies and the desire to take care of them daily. In particular, the body is now perceived as a helper to sustain breast cancer survivors in their everyday activities. Conclusion: The words and the themes that characterized the participants’ reports highlighted the impact of cancer diagnosis and oncological therapies on breast cancer survivors. The participation in the psychological intervention focused on self-compassion towards their body helps women to create an improved body perception.

Keywords: breast cancer; body image; psychological intervention; breast cancer survivors; emotions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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