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Assessing and supporting body image and sexual concerns for young women with breast cancer: a literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2008

Cher Kinamore
Cher Kinamore*
Affiliation:
British Columbia Cancer Agency, Fraser Valley Center, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
*
Correspondence to: Cher Kinamore, 600 10th Avenue West, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada. E-mail: ckinamore@bccancer.bc.ca
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Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and most common cancer cause of death in women aged 20–49 years in Canada. Developing a functional definition of ‘young’ is imperative in assessing and providing appropriate emotional support to the unique body image and sexuality concerns facing ‘young’ women with breast cancer. These concerns require proper assessment in order to provide appropriate interventions.

Aims and objectives: To seek a functional definition of ‘young’ and to determine what body image and sexuality assessment tools and interventions are the most appropriate for young women with breast cancer.

Methods: A literature search was undertaken to determine what body image and sexuality assessment tools and interventions are available and relevant to young women with breast cancer. Also, the assessment and interventions available to this patient cohort in the author's clinic were explored.

Conclusions: Body image and sexuality questionnaires encourage young women and health-care providers (HCPs) to openly discuss these issues. Annon's PLISSIT model is an assessment and intervention strategy that enables HCPs to adequately assess and refer young women to suitable programs such as support groups and counsellors. The multi-disciplinary team should provide continuous emotional assessment and support throughout the cancer journey by collaborating to develop the best interventional strategies to the patient and her family.

Keywords

Breast cancerbody imageemotional assessmentpsychological effects of mastectomy
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 7 , Issue 3 , September 2008 , pp. 159 - 171
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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