"Our organs have a purpose": body image acceptance in Latina breast cancer survivors

• Published in: Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England) England), 2016-11, Vol.25 (11), p.1337-1342
• Main Authors: Buki, Lydia P., Reich, Micaela, Lehardy, Emaan N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptance; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Attitude to Health; Biological organs; Body Image; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - ethnology; Breast Neoplasms - psychology; Cancer Survivors - psychology; Female; Focus Groups; Hispanic Americans - psychology; Humans; Latin American cultural groups; Latinas; Middle Aged; oncology; quality of life; Quality of Life - psychology; Reconstruction; Self image; Surgery; Survivor; Women
• ISSN: 1057-9249; 1099-1611
• DOI: 10.1002/pon.4270

Objective Studies examining body image concerns among breast cancer survivors have primarily captured the experiences of non‐Latina white women. Thus, little is known about body image concerns among Latinas. To address this gap, we examined Latina breast cancer survivors' lived experiences related to body image. Methods Twenty‐seven Latina breast cancer survivors provided data through focus groups and individual interviews as part of a larger study conducted by the first author. In the current paper, we conducted a secondary thematic analysis to uncover women's experiences unique to body image concerns. Results We identified 2 themes related to women's experiences with body image: (a) perceptions of loss and reconstruction and (b) process of achieving body image acceptance. The salience of these themes varied as a function of survivorship stage and type of surgery. Conclusions Body image concerns are distressing for Latina breast cancer survivors. Accepting their altered appearance was an ongoing and complex process. Clinical implications include the need for psychoeducational programs and tailored interventions to enhance women's body image acceptance.