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Impact of physical appearance changes reported by adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: A qualitative analysis
Author(s) -
Brierley MaryEllen E.,
SansomDaly Ursula M.,
Baenziger Julia,
McGill Brittany,
Wakefield Claire E.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13052
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , distress , feeling , thematic analysis , young adult , human physical appearance , psychological intervention , cancer survivor , qualitative research , cancer , gerontology , clinical psychology , psychiatry , developmental psychology , psychology , social psychology , social science , sociology
Abstract Poor body image may be one driver of distress for adolescent and young adults (AYAs) after cancer. We explored physical appearance changes reported by AYA cancer survivors to understand impacts on body image, distress, lifestyle and health behaviours. We recruited AYAs (15–25 years) who had completed cancer treatment. Using semi‐structured interviews, we asked participants about appearance changes resulting from their cancer. We used iterative thematic analyses to explain experiences. Forty‐three participants (51% male, mean age = 21 years) completed an interview. Two key themes emerged. Participants discussed physical appearance changes and psychosocial impacts including appraisal of their changed appearance. Thirty‐eight participants ( n = 38/43) reported that their cancer and/or treatment changed their appearance (most commonly: alopecia [ n = 15/43], scarring [ n = 14/43] and weight gain [ n = 11/43]). Ten participants ( n = 10/43) acknowledged body dissatisfaction. Other impacts included feeling a loss of identity, not being recognised by peers and feeling helpless to change. Our results have translational significance for AYA care. Body image concerns should be considered a potential barrier to successful reintegration post‐treatment. AYAs may benefit from familial and peer support, healthy lifestyle interventions and clinical environments catering to appearance‐related sensitivities.