RT Book, Section
A1 Fingeret, Michelle Cororve
A2 Duffy, James D.
A2 Valentine, Alan D.
SR Print(0)
ID 1125786363
T1 Body Image and Disfigurement
T2 MD Anderson Manual of Psychosocial Oncology
YR 2016
FD 2016
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780071624381
LK hemonc.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1125786363
RD 2024/04/20
AB Body  image  is  a  critical  psychosocial  issue  for  individuals  with  cancer  as  the  disease  and  its  treatment  can  result  in  significant  changes  in  physical  appearance  and  bodily  functioning.  Although  adjustment  to  bodily  changes  can  vary  significantly  depending  on  the  patient,  it  is  important  to  recognize  that  all  patients  with  cancer  regardless  of  tumor  site,  stage,  or  treatment  modality  undergo  a  process  of  body  image  adaptation.  Similar  to  other  medical  patients,  individuals  with  cancer  can  experience  many  possible  cosmetic  and  functional  changes,  some  of  which  are  temporary,  while  others  are  more  permanent.  The  degree  to  which  these  changes  are  accompanied  by  significant  distress  and  difficulties  with  emotional,  social,  and  occupational  functioning  is  influenced  by  a  host  of  personality,  medical,  and  treatment-related  factors.  This  chapter  focuses  on  how  to  better  identify,  evaluate,  and  treat  psychosocial  difficulties  stemming  from  body  image  concerns  in  the  oncology  setting.  In  order  to  fully  appreciate  the  complex  process  of  adjusting  to  bodily  changes,  considerable  attention  is  being  given  to  defining  the  construct  of  body  image  and  discussing  its  theoretical  underpinnings.  Unique  body  image  issues  that  arise  in  the  oncology  setting  are  also  an  important  focus  here.  This  chapter  concludes  with  practical  suggestions  and  advice  for  health  care  professionals  on  how  to  work  more  effectively  with  patients  exhibiting  body  image  concerns,  and  ways  to  alleviate  and/or  prevent  more  serious  behavioral  and  psychosocial  problems  through  early  recognition  and  intervention.