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APOS PSYCHOSOCIAL
POCKET GUIDE

A quick reference resource for psychosocial professionals

The information contained in this guide does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to replace a healthcare provider’s independent medical judgment regarding the treatment or management of individual patients.

Table of Contents

Traumatic Stress Reactions

 

Body Image

All cancer survivors undergo a process of body image adaptation as the disease and its treatment will alter the body and its functioning in some way. Body image experiences are inherently subjective. As such, a patient’s body image experiences must be understood through the way they describe and perceive their own bodies. There can be a disconnect between the way the patient perceives his or her own body image and the way a healthcare provider or loved one sees the patient. For many survivors, body image changes that they experience – whether this involves changes to physical appearance or some aspect of the way the body functions (or both) – are a source of distress and discomfort. Patients who have difficulties coping with any type of body image change are likely to benefit from psychosocial care that addresses this important aspect of their well-being.

Characteristics of Body Image Changes Due to Cancer/Cancer Treatment:

  • May have gradual vs. acute onset (e.g., post surgery)
  • Can be temporary vs. permanent or long-lasting
  • May be noticeable to others vs. hidden/invisible

Types of Body Image Concerns

  • Scarring/disfigurement, swelling, skin discoloration
  • Sensory changes (e.g., numbness, tingling, pain)
  • Fatigue
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Weight changes
  • Use of prosthetics
  • functional impairment (e.g., related to hearing, vision, speech, swallowing, gait, bowel/bladder).

SCREENING

Comprehensive cancer assessment typically involves screening for body image concerns during the disease course. The Three C’s approach (Common, Concerns, Consequences) is recommended as a framework for how all oncology healthcare professionals can approach conversations about body image during a clinical encounter1.