Journal List > Asian Oncol Nurs > v.14(3) > 1081807

Han and Park: Body Image and Physical suffering during Radiotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients Following Breast Conserving Operations

Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to identify body image changes and physical suffering during radiotherapy among breast cancer patients following breast conserving operations and establish correlations between the two.

Methods

Twenty seven patients were recruited in this survey design. Patient interviews and patient-reported questionnaires were used to collect data from March 1 to July 30, 2013. The questionnaire included 18 items about body image and 10 items about physical suffering.

Results

Patients' body image during radiotherapy following breast conserving operation turned significantly negative. Likewise, patients' physical suffering increased significantly during radiotherapy. Body image and physical suffering were inversely correlated (p=.031).

Conclusion

Breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy following breast conserving operations go through changes in body image. Timely and proper interventions for physical suffering during radiotherapy would help to set up and maintain a positive body image.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Time Table for Data Collection
aon-14-155-i001
Table 2
General and Clinical Characteristics (N=27)
aon-14-155-i002

DM=Diabetes Mellitus; HTN=Hypertension; *DM, HTN, Arthritis, Thyroid disease.

Table 3
Body Image during the Period of Radiotherapy (N=27)
aon-14-155-i003
Table 4
Physical suffering during the Period of Radiotherapy (N=27)
aon-14-155-i004

*Excluding menopause subjects.

Table 5
Correlation between Body Image and Physical Suffering
aon-14-155-i005

Notes

This article is condensed from of the first author's master's thesis from University of Ulsan.

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