Assessment of Body Image Perception and Quality of Life among Oncology Patients

Mam, Cancer is the leading cause of mortality, with Asia having the highest number of cases.[1] Psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety, and negative body image significantly influence clinical evaluation.[2] Cancer affects patients of all ages and genders, causing physical changes and significant body image disruption, especially in cancer-diagnosed teens and young adults.[3] Body image issues impact the quality of life (QOL), identity, self-confidence, low self-esteem, and poor sexual function.[4] Most studies focus on women with breast cancer, making comparisons difficult to compare with other types of cancer or to the general population.[5] Thus, the researcher aimed to examine how various cancer patients over the study period perceived their bodies and QOL. A cross-sectional study was conducted on cancer patients, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were recruited using convenience sampling, notified, and asked to sign a consent form. Demographic and clinical variable data were collected followed by which body image scale was used to measure body image using 10 items examining behavioral, affective/emotional, and cognitive dimensions. The QOL scale was used to measure the well-being of cancer patients, consisting of 41 items with 11 factors. A higher score indicates a greater QOL for cancer patients. Data analysis was carried out utilizing SPSS software version 16. The study found that 62% of patients had low QOL and 68% had negative body image. The mean score for body image perception was 21.81 ± 3.40, while the mean score for QOL was 93.53 ± 18.44. QOL and body image perception have a positive correlation, statistically significant at the P < 0.001 level. The study found a significant association between body image perception and cancer treatment, illness duration, and cancer stages. QOL was also influenced by residence and disease duration. No noteworthy association was found with other demographic characteristics. Future research goals include investigating other cancer entities and conducting more in-depth studies on men. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.