Assessing the body image: relevance, application and instruments for oncological settings

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Body image encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and relational aspects crucial for self-identity.
• While often studied with eating disorders, body image is significantly impacted by cancer and its treatments.
• Few studies have comprehensively investigated body image within the oncological context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and identify instruments for assessing body image in cancer patients.
• To evaluate the characteristics and psychometric properties of these assessment tools.

Main Methods:

• An extensive literature review was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO databases.
• Articles published between 1990 and 2010 were included in the review.
• Methodologies included clinical interviews, self-report measures, questionnaires, and graphic tests.

Main Results:

• A total of 263 papers met the initial search criteria.
• After exclusions, 81 articles were selected, detailing six specific questionnaires for oncology.
• These questionnaires are designed for body image assessment in cancer patients.

Conclusions:

• Six instruments specifically designed for body image assessment in oncology were identified.
• The study discusses the characteristics, psychometric properties, and clinical implications of these tools.
• Assessing body image is vital for understanding its relevance to cancer patients' quality of life.