Abstract Purpose Ostomy-related odor is a common, distressing symptom, yet its association with body image disturbance (BID) in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors remains understudied. We examined whether perceived ostomy odor was associated with BID and whether this association varied by ostomy status (temporary vs. permanent) and sex. Methods In a cross-sectional online survey of 130 CRC survivors with ostomies (Stages I–III), perceived ostomy odor was assessed with a single item and BID with the Body Image Scale. We used hierarchical multiple regression controlling for age, sex, BMI, cancer stage, time since ostomy surgery, and ostomy status, followed by interaction and stratified analyses. Results Higher perceived ostomy odor was associated with greater BID (Model 2: B = 0.89, p = 0.006; Δ R 2 = .044). The odor × ostomy status interaction was significant ( B = − 1.39, p = 0.031): odor was associated with BID among participants with a temporary ostomy ( B = 1.98, p < 0.001) but not among those with a permanent ostomy ( B = 0.21, p = 0.595). The odor × sex interaction was also significant ( B = − 1.44, p = 0.045): odor was associated with BID among women ( B = 1.81, p = 0.003) but not men ( B = 0.54, p = 0.133). Conclusion Perceived ostomy odor was associated with greater BID, with stronger associations among participants with temporary ostomies and among women. Odor management may be a clinically relevant target for reducing BID in higher risk subgroups.
Shin et al. (2026) studied this question.