The Association Between Body-Image Perception, Depression, Anxiety And Quality Of Life Among Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide and represents a major public health concern due to its increasing incidence and significant psychosocial consequences. Beyond the physical burden of diagnosis and treatment, women with breast cancer frequently experience disturbances in body image, depression, anxiety and reduced quality of life (Kiran et al., 2021). This study aimed to examine the predictive associations between body-image perception, depression, anxiety, and quality of life among breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional study design was employed. The study comprised of 100 women with histologically confirmed breast cancer aged 18 years and above recruited through purposive sampling from oncology department at hospitals. Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Body Image Scale (BIS) and EuroQol Five-Dimension Five-Level Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L). Data were analyzed using Regression Analyses. Findings revealed a significant association between body-image perception, depression, anxiety and quality of life among breast cancer patients. This study holds significant value in the field of psycho-oncology, particularly in enhancing psychological care of breast cancer patients. For breast cancer patients, psychological interventions will provide both immediate and long term benefits by reducing psychological distress, improve self-esteem, strengthen resilience and ultimately enhance quality of life.