# The impact on body image and quality of life in breast cancer patients

## TL;DR

This study explores how chemotherapy affects body image and quality of life in breast cancer patients, finding that counseling tools and interventions can improve body image perception despite physical health decline.

## Contribution

The study highlights the effectiveness of counseling tools and interventions in improving body image perception during breast cancer chemotherapy in a Brazilian context.

## Key findings

- 52.7% of recommendations in semi-structured interviews were highly beneficial for patients.
- 25.53% of participants were dissatisfied with their body image after chemotherapy.
- 97.9% of participants emphasized the importance of counseling tools in cancer treatment.

## Abstract

to evaluate the quality of life and body image in women with breast cancer during chemotherapy, before and after interventions targeting body image.

we conducted a prospective cohort study with 47 women, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

in the semi-structured interviews, 52.7% of the recommendations were deemed highly beneficial for the patients. After chemotherapy, 25.53% were dissatisfied with their body image, and 89.4% expressed concern about hair loss. Additionally, 97.9% of participants emphasized the importance of counseling tools in cancer treatment. We observed significant changes in body image scale scores and physical health (p<0.001), indicating an improvement in body image perception despite a decline in physical health when comparing pre- and post-chemotherapy results.

the scarcity of Brazilian publications on body image is noted, underscoring the role of healthcare professionals in interdisciplinary approaches to enhance clinical practices.

avaliar a qualidade de vida e a imagem corporal em mulheres com câncer de mama durante a quimioterapia, antes e depois da intervenção na imagem.

estudo de coorte prospectivo com 47 mulheres, usando análise dos dados qualitativa e quantitativa.

nas entrevistas semiestruturadas, 52,7% das orientações foram altamente benéficas para as pacientes. Após a quimioterapia, 25,53% estavam insatisfeitas com sua imagem corporal; e 89,4%, preocupadas com a queda de cabelo. A importância dos instrumentos de aconselhamento no tratamento do câncer foi destacada por 97,9%. Mudanças significantes nos escores da escala de imagem corporal e na saúde física foram observadas (p<0,001), indicando melhora na percepção corporal, apesar da redução na saúde física, considerando antes e depois da quimioterapia.

ressalta-se a escassez de publicações brasileiras sobre imagem corporal e destaca-se o papel dos profissionais de saúde em abordagens interdisciplinares para melhorar as práticas clínicas.