Camille Pierrisnard1, Marjorie Baciuchka2, Julien Mancini3,4, Pascal Rathelot5,6, Patrice Vanelle5,6, Marc Montana7,8. 1. Aix Marseille University, APHM, Oncopharma Unit, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015, Marseille, France. 2. Aix Marseille University, APHM, Oncologie Multidisciplinaire et Innovations Thérapeutiques, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015, Marseille, France. 3. Aix-Marseille University, Inserm, IRD, UMR912, SESSTIM, "Cancers, Biomedicine & Society" Group, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, 232 Bd Ste Marguerite, 13273, Marseille, France. 4. APHM, BiosTIC, La Timone Hospital, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13005, Marseille, France. 5. Aix-Marseille University, APHM, Service Central de la Qualité et de l'Information Pharmaceutiques (SCQIP, Marseille, France. 6. Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR 7273, Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France. 7. Aix Marseille University, APHM, Oncopharma Unit, Chemin des Bourrely, 13015, Marseille, France. marc.montana@ap-hm.fr. 8. Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, Institut de Chimie Radicalaire ICR, UMR 7273, Laboratoire de Pharmaco-Chimie Radicalaire, 27 Bd Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 05, France. marc.montana@ap-hm.fr.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Altered body image caused by alopecia, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or mastectomy is a major source of psychological distress in women with breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To identify and to assess patients' perceptions and expectations regarding altered body image. METHOD: Opinion survey conducted among patients treated for breast cancer and member of French online support groups. Anonymous online self-administered survey sent to women with breast cancer. RESULTS: 85% of the women interviewed experienced alopecia during treatment and 67% of them loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. About half of patients suffering alopecia and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes reported fearing what others think. Mastectomy was experienced by 84% of the women in our study, but only 32% of them reported fearing what others think. 87% of our study cohort received information about the possibility of adverse events. 70, 56, and 60% of women felt helped by information they received for the management of alopecia, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or mastectomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that altered body image is a critical psychosocial issue for women with breast cancer. Effective information can be a source of reassurance and may constitute one of the most important sources of emotional support.
BACKGROUND: Altered body image caused by alopecia, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or mastectomy is a major source of psychological distress in women with breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: To identify and to assess patients' perceptions and expectations regarding altered body image. METHOD: Opinion survey conducted among patients treated for breast cancer and member of French online support groups. Anonymous online self-administered survey sent to women with breast cancer. RESULTS: 85% of the women interviewed experienced alopecia during treatment and 67% of them loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. About half of patients suffering alopecia and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes reported fearing what others think. Mastectomy was experienced by 84% of the women in our study, but only 32% of them reported fearing what others think. 87% of our study cohort received information about the possibility of adverse events. 70, 56, and 60% of women felt helped by information they received for the management of alopecia, loss of eyebrows or eyelashes, or mastectomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that altered body image is a critical psychosocial issue for women with breast cancer. Effective information can be a source of reassurance and may constitute one of the most important sources of emotional support.
Entities:
Keywords:
Adverse effects; Breast cancer; Community pharmacy; Pharmaceutical care; Quality of life
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