Body image interventions within breast cancer care: A systematic review and concept analysis

Abstract

There needs to be a consensus regarding the definition of body image in oncology the literature. This lack of agreement leads to conflicting results in psychosocial interventions aimed to improve body image among breast cancer patients. Through an instrumentalist approach, this systematic review aims to analyze how body image as a concept is described and operationalized in breast cancer studies with the focus to enhance body image through psychosocial interventions. Databases were searched in October 2022 and updated in February 2023 to find empirical studies reporting psychosocial intervention targeting body image efficacy. The results from 24 studies show many similarities and differences between the definitions (e.g. characteristics) and questionnaires (e.g. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) used to evaluate this concept. Most definitions include thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to body image. Finally, the psychosocial implications are discussed. This systematic review is registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022326393).

Keywords:

• Body image
• concept analysis
• intervention
• oncology
• psycho-oncology
• therapy

Disclosure statement

The authors report that there are no competing interests to declare.

Data available statement

Data will be made available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.