Body image experience of women with breast cancer: A meta‐synthesis

Background Body image is a multidimensional concept that involves the mental image of the human body and the feeling of being oneself throughout existence. Treatment for breast cancer causes several bodily changes that affect women's body image. Aims This meta‐synthesis aims to synthesise and i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian journal of caring sciences 2023-03, Vol.37 (1), p.20-36
Main Authors: Rodrigues, Elaine Campos Guijarro, Neris, Rhyquelle Rhibna, Nascimento, Lucila Castanheira, Oliveira‐Cardoso, Érika Arantes, Santos, Manoel Antônio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Body image
Breast cancer
breast neoplasms
cancer
Human body
Mastectomy
Qualitative research
review
Self image
Women
Womens health
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Summary:Background Body image is a multidimensional concept that involves the mental image of the human body and the feeling of being oneself throughout existence. Treatment for breast cancer causes several bodily changes that affect women's body image. Aims This meta‐synthesis aims to synthesise and interpret primary qualitative studies on the experience of body image in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Methods A qualitative meta‐synthesis was conducted employing systematic searches in six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and LILACS). Data analysis was performed according to thematic synthesis. Results Forty studies were included. Five descriptive themes were identified: (1) actively saying goodbye to body image; (2) the rupture of body image; (3) the sacrifice of body image in exchange for life; (4) body image as a vehicle for social expression; and (5) resignation of the alterated body image. These themes were understood through one analytical theme: Half‐woman: body image of the woman with breast cancer. Conclusion The experience of body image in the context of breast cancer is a dynamic phenomenon, which involves dismissal, rupture, and resignation and occurs mediated by interpersonal contact.
ISSN:0283-9318
1471-6712
DOI:10.1111/scs.13102