Author/Authors :
Fadaei, Simin Instructor, Faculty Member - School of Nursing and Midwifery - Islamic Azad University, Najafabad Branch , Janighorban, Mojgan MSc Student - Department of Midwifery - School of Nursing and Midwifery and Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Mehrabi, Tayebe Instructor - School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Ahmadi, Ahmad Associate - Department of Counseling - School of Psychology, The University of Isfahan , Mokaryan, Fariborz Associate Professor - Department of Internal - School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Gukizade, Abbas Associate Professor - Department of Radiotherapy School of Medicine - Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Surgical treatment of breast cancer may cause
body image alterations. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of cognitive behavioral counseling
on body image among Iranian women with primary breast cancer.
METHODS: In this quasi-experimental designed study, 72 patients diagnosed as breast cancer and surgically treated were
enrolled in Isfahan, Iran. The patients were entered the study by convenience sampling method and were randomly divided
in two groups of intervention (n = 32) and control (n = 40). The intervention group received consultation based on
Ellis rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) method for 6 sessions during 3 weeks. The control group did not receive
any consultation. Paired t-test was used to compare the changes in groups and independent t-test was conducted to
compare two groups. The average values represented as mean ± standard deviation.
RESULTS: Before the study, the body image score was not significantly different between the intervention (16.97 ± 5.44)
and control (15.95 ± 4.66) groups (t = 0.86; P = 0.395). The body image score was significantly lower in the intervention
group (9.03 ± 6.11) compared to control group (17.18 ± 5.27) after the intervention (t = -6.07; P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Since a woman’s body image influences her breast cancer treatment decision, oncology professionals
need to recognize the value of a woman's favorite about appearance and body image. This study emphasizes the importance
of offering consultation in breast cancer patients.
Keywords :
Breast Neoplasms , Mastectomy , Body Image , Intervention Studies , Counseling
