A Comparative Study of Body Image and Coping Style in Breast Cancer Patients.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies and leading cause of death in women. It not only encompasses physical but also social and psychological implications because of the importance of the breast in feminity, sexuality and motherhood. It leads to the fear of disfigurement, disability, dependence and disruption of relationships. Very few studies assessed the psychological aspect of cancer causing altered feminity and fear of death. Aims and Objectives: To assess the coping skills, death anxiety and body image in breast cancer patients, who have undergone mastectomy and who have been treated nonsurgically. Methods: 45 female in the age group of 25 years to 55 years who were aware of their diagnosis and had undergone mastectomy or treated nonsurgically between three months to twelve months at the time of inclusion were assessed on body image index, coping strategy checklist and death anxiety scale. Results and Conclusion: There were no significant differences in total coping scores between two groups but denial was used significantly higher by the patient of mastectomy group. Body image was found to be significantly better in joint family patients while patients with nuclear family had higher psychological distress. Thus types of treatment, socioeconomic and family status have important psychological implication in breast cancer patients.