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The Body after Cancer: A Qualitative Study on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Body Representation

Author

Listed:
  • Valeria Sebri

    (Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)

  • Ilaria Durosini

    (Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)

  • Davide Mazzoni

    (Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Gabriella Pravettoni

    (Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
    Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Objective: The relationship with the body is a relevant issue for breast cancer survivors. Oncological treatments damage their bodies due to scars, weight gain, and other side effects. Starting from the efficacy of psychological interventions for breast cancer survivors, a tailored psychological support program was provided to promote overall well-being after illness dealing with bodily signals and related emotions and thoughts. This study presents changes in the description of the relationship with their bodies as well as participants’ emotions and thoughts before and after a psychological intervention. Methods and Measures: Eighteen women answered questions related to their bodies before and after the psychological intervention. Results were analyzed in accordance with the procedure of the Word Association Analysis through the T-Lab software and the Qualitative Thematic Analysis. Results: Participants reported a great awareness of their bodies and the desire to take care of them daily. In particular, the body is now perceived as a helper to sustain breast cancer survivors in their everyday activities. Conclusion: The words and the themes that characterized the participants’ reports highlighted the impact of cancer diagnosis and oncological therapies on breast cancer survivors. The participation in the psychological intervention focused on self-compassion towards their body helps women to create an improved body perception.

Suggested Citation

  • Valeria Sebri & Ilaria Durosini & Davide Mazzoni & Gabriella Pravettoni, 2022. "The Body after Cancer: A Qualitative Study on Breast Cancer Survivors’ Body Representation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12515-:d:930651
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ilaria Durosini & Lucrezia Savioni & Stefano Triberti & Paolo Guiddi & Gabriella Pravettoni, 2021. "The Motivation Journey: A Grounded Theory Study on Female Cancer Survivors’ Experience of a Psychological Intervention for Quality of Life," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Ilaria Durosini & Stefano Triberti & Lucrezia Savioni & Gabriella Pravettoni, 2021. "In the eye of a quiet storm: A critical incident study on the quarantine experience during the coronavirus pandemic," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sergio Alvarez-Pardo & Ena Monserrat Romero-Pérez & Néstor Camberos-Castañeda & José Antonio de Paz & Mario Alberto Horta-Gim & Jerónimo J. González-Bernal & Juan Mielgo-Ayuso & Lucía Simón-Vicente & , 2022. "Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Survivors in Relation to Age, Type of Surgery and Length of Time since First Treatment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Valeria Sebri & Gabriella Pravettoni, 2023. "Tailored Psychological Interventions to Manage Body Image: An Opinion Study on Breast Cancer Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-9, February.

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