Body Image and Functional Loss

Abstract

The implications of functional loss following cancer is an area of psychosocial oncology that is rarely ventured. This is especially true in the context of limb and sensory losses, which have important repercussions on the patient’s well-being, namely as the individual is required to reassess and redefine his or her identity in face of these adversities. This chapter explores the implications of these losses via the intersection of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health with key oncological attributes of body image disturbances that seek to render explicit psychological mechanisms underlying impairments, limitations, and restrictions. Emphasizing the use of a standard framework for the assessment of functioning is essential, especially in understudied areas. Through this perspective, further insight is provided for the methodological and biopsychosocial assessment of functioning and body, and implications for clinical inquiry and practice are proposed for the advancement of cancer survivor care.

Biopsychosocial Markers of Body Image Concerns in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

“…Cancer and its associated treatments often cause patients to undergo physical, functional, and psychological changes that affect their appearance and identity [ 1 ]. Some examples of changes include the loss of hair and body parts, scarring, weight changes, disfigurement, and functional disabilities [ 2 ]. These modifications can alter a patient’s perception of self and cause body image concerns [ 1 ].…”

“…Patients and survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are also highly susceptible to body image concerns due to the visible physical and functional disturbances these types of cancer often cause [ 1 , 2 ]. Previous research suggests that 89% of patients with HNC present with some level of body image concerns immediately post-treatment (3 months), with 20% mild to moderate and 9% moderate to severe levels, respectively [ 6 ].…”

“…Previous research suggests that 89% of patients with HNC present with some level of body image concerns immediately post-treatment (3 months), with 20% mild to moderate and 9% moderate to severe levels, respectively [ 6 ]. HNC are malignant tumours arising in the lining surfaces of the oral cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinuses, and nasal cavity, which are often diagnosed in advanced stages and require invasive treatments that lead to altered facial appearance, pain, and the changes on basic functional abilities, such as swallowing, speaking, and breathing [ 1 , 2 ]. The treatment recovery for patients with HNC can take from 12 to 36 months on average and it can include long-term sequelae [ 8 ].…”

“…This is especially important as the social discomfort caused by body image concerns can lead to social isolation, which causes greater rates of morbidity and mortality. Having a good perceived body image promotes better treatment and disease outcomes and a better ability to cope with the cancer diagnosis [ 1 , 2 ].…”

An exploration of wellbeing in men diagnosed with prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance: a qualitative study

“…Firstly, the biopsychosocial model received criticism in the literature for being outdated following the increased understanding of the biological underpinnings affecting various aspects of mental life, and hence making their separation unnecessary [ 38 ]. Although we based our theoretical foundation of this study on Henningsen’s refinement of the biopsychosocial model and the major life events theory [ 6 , 12 ], other models such as WHO’s ICF could be considered more clinically relevant and have seen increasing use in psycho-oncology research as a result [ 8 , 39 ]. Secondly, none of our participants identified as gay or bisexual, so it was not possible to explore the experiences of this group who have previously been identified to experience significant problems post-diagnosis with sexual identity and relationships [ 40 ].…”