Depressive, anxiety, and distress symptoms among cancer patients who endorse appearance problems

Abstract

All adult patients with active cancer diagnosis seen in the outpatient psychiatry oncology clinic (June 2014-January 2016) who provided informed consent were included (N = 1,939) in the cross-sectional study design. "Appearance problems" were assessed as a categorical, binomial variable (yes/no) using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer checklist. Other assessments included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Distress Thermometer, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale.ResultThe overall prevalence rate of individuals who endorsed appearance problems was approximately 36%; they were more likely to be younger, female, Black or Hispanic, and not in a committed relationship (all results for demographic variables were statistically significant; all p < .001). Importantly, those patients who endorsed appearance problems exhibited higher scores for depression (p < .0001), anxiety (p < .0001), and distress (p < .0001), and these differences were of medium effect size (Cohen's d = 0.5-0.6).Significance of resultsThe current results underscore the need to identify patients with body image problems early given that they are likely to exhibit higher magnitude of anxiety, depression and distress symptoms while undergoing cancer care. The results highlight the importance of body image issues and the need to evaluate them in cancer patients.

Nursing staff’s experience of appearance issues in various nursing situations

“…The participants, as well as previous research, highlighted the importance of awareness and recognition of appearance issues in nursing situations when needed [8,27], but with sensitivity regarding the complexity of the phenomenon and the varying needs of the patients.…”

Exploring the relationship between the body self and the sense of coherence in women after surgical treatment for breast cancer

“…26,27 1.1 | The rationale for this study Despite the call for more emphasis on mental health and psychological resilience, the literature focuses mainly on looking for risk factors for negative body image. [6][7][8] . Research exploring protective factors such as resilience or SOC, promoting a positive body image in women is limited.…”

“…Numerous studies suggest that body image and dissatisfaction with body have a potent impact on mental well‐being, stress level, life satisfaction, self‐esteem, physical health, and quality of life in cancer patients . Body image is also under examination in breast cancer survivors.…”

“…Despite the call for more emphasis on mental health and psychological resilience, the literature focuses mainly on looking for risk factors for negative body image …”

“…Numerous studies suggest that body image and dissatisfaction with body have a potent impact on mental well-being, stress level, life satisfaction, self-esteem, physical health, and quality of life in cancer patients. 5,6 Body image is also under examination in breast cancer survivors. Authors have reported consistently that body image disturbance was associated with increased psychological distress in breast cancer survivors, highlighting the importance of body image to overall psychological well-being and self-esteem.…”