An Investigation into Body Image Concerns in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation or Chemoradiation Using the Body Image Scale (BIS): A Pilot Study

Abstract

Body image (BI) is complex and multifaceted term. However, BI will be defined as one’s subjective perceptions, views and thoughts regarding their appearance. BI can be altered in many ways. For head and neck (HN) cancer patients, many physical and psychosocial changes may occur throughout treatment that may impact their BI. Physical changes may include skin reactions, mucositis, xerostomia, hair loss, dysphagia, feeding tubes or tracheostomy tubes. BI can impact quality of life (QOL), daily activities, self-esteem, self-confidence and cause depressive symptoms. This study is designed to determine the prevalence of BI concerns within the HN cancer population using the Body Image Scale (BIS). The study will also determine if there is a relationship between BIS scores and MD Anderson Symptom Inventory – HN (MDASI-HN) and investigate the current resources the patients are using to help with BI concerns. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study using a random sample of HN patients treated with radiation therapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy. The study will recruit 2 cohorts of participants. The first cohort (N=30) will comprise participants in their final week of radiation therapy treatments. The second cohort (N=30) will comprise of participants attending their follow-up appointment 8-12 weeks post radiation therapy treatments. Both cohorts will complete the MDASI-HN and the BIS during their scheduled appointments. Descriptive analysis will be completed as well as inferential statistics using the Chi-square (X2) test with a p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results pending.