Women's experiences of an altered appearance during chemotherapy: An indication of cancer status

Harcourt, Diana; Frith, Hannah

Abstract

This study explores breast cancer patients' experiences of chemotherapy treatment, with a focus on the impact of an altered appearance during this time. We present two key themes from the thematic analysis of interviews with 19 women: anxiety that chemotherapy will render them identifiable as a 'person-with-cancer'; and problematic interactions with others. We discuss how changes in appearance can reveal disease status to others, demonstrate the personal impact of temporary changes to appearance, relate these findings to literature on psychosocial aspects of disfigurement and consider the provision of psychosocial care for women experiencing an altered appearance during chemotherapy. Copyright © 2008 SAGE Publications.

Citation

Harcourt, D., & Frith, H. (2008). Women's experiences of an altered appearance during chemotherapy: An indication of cancer status. Journal of Health Psychology, 13(5), 597-606. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308090932

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Nov 1, 2010
• Journal: Journal of Health Psychology
• Print ISSN: 1359-1053
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7277
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 597-606
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105308090932
• Keywords: appearance psychology, cancer, altered appearance, chemotherapy, body image, visible difference
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1011161
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1359105308090932