Body image and the cancer treatment trajectory

The chapter “Body Image and the Cancer Treatment Trajectory” provides an overview of body image–related concerns and challenges that can arise throughout the cancer journey, from cancer detection and diagnosis through to active treatment and cancer survivorship. The chapter examines how body image concerns can serve as a significant barrier to cancer detection, including self- and physician examination, routine screening, and diagnostic tests. It then reviews the impact of cancer surgery and treatment-related side effects (such as physical disfigurement, hair loss, skin irritations, weight loss or gain, changes to bodily functions, premature menopause, and lymphedema) on an individual’s body image, self-concept, and overall psychosocial well-being in both the short and longer term. Finally, the chapter discusses body image concerns arising from risk-reducing or prophylactic surgery to minimize hereditary risk of cancer occurrence.