Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Current Oncology Reports 1/2015

01-01-2015 | Head and Neck Cancers (E Hanna, Section Editor)

Body Image: a Critical Psychosocial Issue for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Authors: Michelle Cororve Fingeret, Irene Teo, Keelan Goettsch

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 1/2015

Login to get access

Abstract

Increasing attention is being given to evaluating and treating body image difficulties of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Head and neck cancer significantly alters physical appearance and bodily functioning and therefore directly impacts body image. Research involving body image in head and neck cancer patients is growing, and this review considers published findings from 2013 to 2014. Primary attention is given to discussing recent advancements in body image assessment, qualitative studies, descriptive research, and psychosocial intervention studies relevant to body image. Limitations and necessary advancements in this field are noted, and a commentary is provided on the state of the current literature.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Fingeret, M. Body image and disfigurement. In: MD Anderson manual of psychosocial oncology. New York: McGraw Hill; 2010. p. 271–86. Fingeret, M. Body image and disfigurement. In: MD Anderson manual of psychosocial oncology. New York: McGraw Hill; 2010. p. 271–86.
2.
go back to reference Fingeret MC et al. Associations among speech, eating, and body image concerns for surgical patients with head and neck cancer. Head Neck. 2013;35(3):354–60.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Fingeret MC et al. Associations among speech, eating, and body image concerns for surgical patients with head and neck cancer. Head Neck. 2013;35(3):354–60.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Rhoten BA, Murphy B, Ridner SH. Body image in patients with head and neck cancer: a review of the literature. Oral Oncol. 2013;49(8):753–60.PubMedCrossRef Rhoten BA, Murphy B, Ridner SH. Body image in patients with head and neck cancer: a review of the literature. Oral Oncol. 2013;49(8):753–60.PubMedCrossRef
4.••
go back to reference Djan R, Penington A. A systematic review of questionnaires to measure the impact of appearance on quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013;66(5):647–59. This useful review article identifies available tools for evaluating body image in patients with head and neck cancer and critically appraises their psychometric properties.PubMedCrossRef Djan R, Penington A. A systematic review of questionnaires to measure the impact of appearance on quality of life for head and neck cancer patients. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013;66(5):647–59. This useful review article identifies available tools for evaluating body image in patients with head and neck cancer and critically appraises their psychometric properties.PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Klassen A et al. Measuring quality of life in cosmetic surgery patients with a condition-specific instrument: the Derriford Scale. Br J Plast Surg. 1998;51(5):380–4.PubMedCrossRef Klassen A et al. Measuring quality of life in cosmetic surgery patients with a condition-specific instrument: the Derriford Scale. Br J Plast Surg. 1998;51(5):380–4.PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Ringash J, Bezjak A. A structured review of quality of life instruments for head and neck cancer patients. Head Neck. 2001;23(3):201–13.PubMedCrossRef Ringash J, Bezjak A. A structured review of quality of life instruments for head and neck cancer patients. Head Neck. 2001;23(3):201–13.PubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Gliklich RE, Goldsmith TA, Funk GF. Are head and neck specific quality of life measures necessary? Head Neck. 1997;19(6):474–80.PubMedCrossRef Gliklich RE, Goldsmith TA, Funk GF. Are head and neck specific quality of life measures necessary? Head Neck. 1997;19(6):474–80.PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Hassan SJ, Weymuller EA. Assessment of quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. Head Neck. 1993;15(6):485–96.PubMedCrossRef Hassan SJ, Weymuller EA. Assessment of quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. Head Neck. 1993;15(6):485–96.PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Lee EH et al. A systematic review of patient-reported outcome instruments of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the dermatologic population. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(2):e59–67.PubMedCrossRef Lee EH et al. A systematic review of patient-reported outcome instruments of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the dermatologic population. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;69(2):e59–67.PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Cano S et al. The patient outcomes of surgery—head/neck (POS-head/neck): a new patient-based outcome measure. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2006;59(1):65–73.PubMedCrossRef Cano S et al. The patient outcomes of surgery—head/neck (POS-head/neck): a new patient-based outcome measure. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2006;59(1):65–73.PubMedCrossRef
11.
12.•
go back to reference Kissane DW et al. Preliminary evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Shame and Stigma Scale in head and neck cancer. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 2013;35(2):172–83. This new measure shows promise for evaluating important body image issues related to shame and stigma that are not covered by other available assessment tools in the field.CrossRef Kissane DW et al. Preliminary evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Shame and Stigma Scale in head and neck cancer. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 2013;35(2):172–83. This new measure shows promise for evaluating important body image issues related to shame and stigma that are not covered by other available assessment tools in the field.CrossRef
13.
go back to reference Annunziata MA, Giovannini L, Muzzatti B. Assessing the body image: relevance, application and instruments for oncological settings. Support Care Cancer. 2012;20(5):901–7.PubMedCrossRef Annunziata MA, Giovannini L, Muzzatti B. Assessing the body image: relevance, application and instruments for oncological settings. Support Care Cancer. 2012;20(5):901–7.PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Fingeret MC et al. Multidimensional analysis of body image concerns among newly diagnosed patients with oral cavity cancer. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 2010;32(3):301–9. Fingeret MC et al. Multidimensional analysis of body image concerns among newly diagnosed patients with oral cavity cancer. Head Neck J Sci Spec Head Neck. 2010;32(3):301–9.
15.
go back to reference Albornoz CR et al. Measuring health-related quality of life outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Clin Plast Surg. 2013;40(2):341–9.PubMedCrossRef Albornoz CR et al. Measuring health-related quality of life outcomes in head and neck reconstruction. Clin Plast Surg. 2013;40(2):341–9.PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Lang HD et al. The psychological experience of living with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(12):2648–63.PubMedCrossRef Lang HD et al. The psychological experience of living with head and neck cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(12):2648–63.PubMedCrossRef
17.•
go back to reference Henry M et al. Looking beyond disfigurement: the experience of patients with head and neck cancer. J Palliat Care. 2014;30(1):5–15. This qualitative study offers important insights into the patient perspective of living with head and neck cancer, and findings are linked to practical recommendations for improving psychosocial care.PubMed Henry M et al. Looking beyond disfigurement: the experience of patients with head and neck cancer. J Palliat Care. 2014;30(1):5–15. This qualitative study offers important insights into the patient perspective of living with head and neck cancer, and findings are linked to practical recommendations for improving psychosocial care.PubMed
18.
go back to reference Costa EF, et al. A qualitative study of the dimensions of patients’ perceptions of facial disfigurement after head and neck cancer surgery. Spec Care Dentist. 2013. Costa EF, et al. A qualitative study of the dimensions of patients’ perceptions of facial disfigurement after head and neck cancer surgery. Spec Care Dentist. 2013.
19.
go back to reference McGarvey AC et al. Lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer: impact on patients, and beliefs of health professionals. Eur J Cancer Care. 2014;23(3):317–27.CrossRef McGarvey AC et al. Lymphoedema following treatment for head and neck cancer: impact on patients, and beliefs of health professionals. Eur J Cancer Care. 2014;23(3):317–27.CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Chigurupati R et al. Quality of life after maxillectomy and prosthetic obturator rehabilitation. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2013;71(8):1471–8.PubMedCrossRef Chigurupati R et al. Quality of life after maxillectomy and prosthetic obturator rehabilitation. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2013;71(8):1471–8.PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Zhang X et al. Free fibula flap: assessment of quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer who have had defects reconstructed. J Craniofac Surg. 2013;24(6):2010–3.PubMedCrossRef Zhang X et al. Free fibula flap: assessment of quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer who have had defects reconstructed. J Craniofac Surg. 2013;24(6):2010–3.PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Zhu JF et al. Measures of health-related quality of life and socio-cultural aspects in young patients who after mandible primary reconstruction with free fibula flap. World J Surg Oncol. 2013;11:250.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Zhu JF et al. Measures of health-related quality of life and socio-cultural aspects in young patients who after mandible primary reconstruction with free fibula flap. World J Surg Oncol. 2013;11:250.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Wang A et al. Quality of life assessment in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. J Laryngol Otol. 2013;127(S2):S39–47.PubMedCrossRef Wang A et al. Quality of life assessment in patients treated for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. J Laryngol Otol. 2013;127(S2):S39–47.PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Howren MB et al. Psychological factors associated with head and neck cancer treatment and survivorship: evidence and opportunities for behavioral medicine. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2013;81(2):299–317.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Howren MB et al. Psychological factors associated with head and neck cancer treatment and survivorship: evidence and opportunities for behavioral medicine. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2013;81(2):299–317.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Rhondali W et al. Association between body image dissatisfaction and weight loss among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers: a preliminary report. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2013;45(6):1039–49.CrossRef Rhondali W et al. Association between body image dissatisfaction and weight loss among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers: a preliminary report. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2013;45(6):1039–49.CrossRef
26.
go back to reference Wong JC et al. Negative cancer stereotypes and disease-specific self-concept in head and neck cancer. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(5):1055–63.PubMedCrossRef Wong JC et al. Negative cancer stereotypes and disease-specific self-concept in head and neck cancer. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(5):1055–63.PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Chen AM et al. Quality of life among long-term survivors of head and neck cancer treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014;140(2):129–33.PubMedCrossRef Chen AM et al. Quality of life among long-term survivors of head and neck cancer treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2014;140(2):129–33.PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Clarke S-A, et al. Appearance concerns and psychosocial adjustment following head and neck cancer: a cross-sectional study and nine-month follow-up. Psychol Health Med. 2013(ahead-of-print):1–14. Clarke S-A, et al. Appearance concerns and psychosocial adjustment following head and neck cancer: a cross-sectional study and nine-month follow-up. Psychol Health Med. 2013(ahead-of-print):1–14.
29.
go back to reference Wang H-L, et al. Shoulder pain, functional status, and health-related quality of life after head and neck cancer surgery. Rehabil Res Pract. 2013;2013. Wang H-L, et al. Shoulder pain, functional status, and health-related quality of life after head and neck cancer surgery. Rehabil Res Pract. 2013;2013.
31.
go back to reference Lebel S et al. The psychosocial impact of stigma in people with head and neck or lung cancer. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(1):140–52.PubMedCrossRef Lebel S et al. The psychosocial impact of stigma in people with head and neck or lung cancer. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(1):140–52.PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Fingeret MC et al. The nature and extent of body image concerns among surgically treated patients with head and neck cancer. Psycho-Oncology. 2012;21(8):836–44.PubMedCrossRef Fingeret MC et al. The nature and extent of body image concerns among surgically treated patients with head and neck cancer. Psycho-Oncology. 2012;21(8):836–44.PubMedCrossRef
33.••
go back to reference Semple C, et al. Psychosocial interventions for patients with head and neck cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013(7). This review demonstrates the vital need to develop evidence-based interventions for improving quality of life and body image of cancer patients. The lack of research in this area is concerning. Semple C, et al. Psychosocial interventions for patients with head and neck cancer. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013(7). This review demonstrates the vital need to develop evidence-based interventions for improving quality of life and body image of cancer patients. The lack of research in this area is concerning.
34.
go back to reference Bessell A et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of Face IT, a computer-based psychosocial intervention for disfigurement-related distress. Psychol Health Med. 2012;17(5):565–77.PubMedCrossRef Bessell A et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of Face IT, a computer-based psychosocial intervention for disfigurement-related distress. Psychol Health Med. 2012;17(5):565–77.PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Body Image: a Critical Psychosocial Issue for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors
Michelle Cororve Fingeret
Irene Teo
Keelan Goettsch
Publication date
01-01-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Oncology Reports / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-014-0422-0

Other articles of this Issue 1/2015

Current Oncology Reports 1/2015 Go to the issue

Gastrointestinal Cancers (B Czito, Section Editor)

Endoscopic Approaches for Early-Stage Esophageal Cancer: Current Options

Gastrointestinal Cancers (B Czito, Section Editor)

Update on Treatment of Liver Metastases: Focus on Ablation Therapies

Head and Neck Cancers (E Hanna, Section Editor)

Defining Value-Driven Care in Head and Neck Oncology

Webinar | 19-02-2024 | 17:30 (CET)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on antibody–drug conjugates in cancer

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel agents that have shown promise across multiple tumor types. Explore the current landscape of ADCs in breast and lung cancer with our experts, and gain insights into the mechanism of action, key clinical trials data, existing challenges, and future directions.

Dr. Véronique Diéras
Prof. Fabrice Barlesi
Developed by: Springer Medicine