Evaluation of Body Image Perception and Self-Esteem in Patients With Skin Cancer

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing worldwide every day. This study was conducted to evaluate body image perception and self-esteem in patients with skin cancer. This prospective, cross-sectional, relationship-seeking, and descriptive research design study was carried out with 320 patients diagnosed with skin cancer to assess their body image perception and self-esteem levels. Data were collected between December 2023 and September 2024 at a city hospital. The data collection tools used in the study included the Patient Information Form, Body Image Scale, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The average age of the patients participating in the study was found to be 63.9 ± 18.4 years. The average scores of the patients on the Body Image Scale and the RSES were 129.6 ± 26.1. It was found that the patients had a low body image perception. The average score on the RSES was 2.6 ± 1.5, indicating that the self-esteem level of the patients was at a moderate level. A statistically significant relationship was found between the scores on the Body Image Scale and the RSES (P<.01). As the patients' positive body image perception increased, their self-esteem also improved. It was determined that patients with skin cancer had a low body image perception and moderate self-esteem levels.