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

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.