ABSTRACT
Disease and oncological treatments sometimes bring changes in physical appearance, which can alter the psychic and emotional balance of the person with the disease. Studies show how dissatisfaction with body image is related to low self-esteem, poor self-image, problems in gender identity, interpersonal anxiety, sexual problems, and depressive disorders. Patients with cancer can develop alterations in their body image temporarily or permanently caused by the disease itself (the presence of the tumor, associated weight loss, and so on) as well as by treatments (whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy) and their side effects that can impact on their appearance and body integrity. We should refer not only to alterations in appearance (e.g., hair loss, scarring, swelling, or weight loss), but also to sensory changes (e.g., pain or numbness) and functional impairment (e.g., dysphagia, dysarthria, impotence).
