Consequences of Altered Body Image in Adolescents with Cancer: A Narrative Review
Journal Title: Journal of Cancer and Tumor International - Year 2016, Vol 3, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of cancer develops many challenges for adolescents. Changes associated with cancer treatment are considered stressful and impact negatively on adolescents' psychosocial status. Adaptation to body image changes is essential to the ultimate coping with cancer. Aim: This study aimed to present a narrative review of the literature regarding body image changes in adolescents with cancer and coping strategies. Methods: Searching for keywords was performed in various databases including CINAHL, PubMed Central, and EBESCO. Results: Altered appearance was appraised by adolescents as a threatening and upsetting issue that negatively influenced their lives. However, adolescents with cancer used many strategies to deal effectively with their changed appearance. These coping mechanisms included strategies for concealing signs, strategies for instilling hope, and strategies for gaining social support. Conclusion: Altered body image resulting from cancer and its treatment is the most distressing factor among adolescents with cancer. Medical staff should be trained and oriented about the physical and psychosocial impact of cancer on adolescents through continuous training and follow up programs. Nurses should give the opportunity for adolescents to express their own feelings and concerns about the effects of chemotherapy on their physical appearance.
Authors and Affiliations
Ghada Mohammad Abu Shosha
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP242984
- DOI 10.9734/JCTI/2016/24144
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
Immunohistochemical Pattern of Breast Cancer in Maiduguri, Borno State
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria, with a very high morbidity and mortality rate if the diagnosis is delayed. It is common among women in both developed and developing...
Role of Breast Feeding and Parity in Prevalence of Breast Cancer and Bone Metastasis
Our aim was to evaluate the role of breast feeding and parity (alive and abortion) in prevalence of breast cancer and secondary bone metastasis. For The study purpose 100 diagnosed females of breast cancer were selected....
Primary Breast Lymphoma: A Study of 9 Cases
Aim: Non-Hodgkin's primary lymphoma of the breast is rare. These tumors represent 0.04 to 0.52% of malignant breast pathology, 2.2% of extranodal lymphoma and 0.4% of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Clinical and radiological...
Knowledge and Screening Practices of Cervical Cancer among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, South-Eastern Nigeria
Introduction: The burden of cervical cancer is more in developing world where it is a major killer among reproductive age group. Available evidence suggests factors responsible for this escalating mortality among Nigeria...
Detection of EBV and HPV in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Ameloblastoma: Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Study
Background: Head and neck cancer includes several malignancies that originate in the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, salivary glands, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. The burden of viral infections in cancer is high bu...