REDEFINING BODY IMAGE AFTER BREAST CANCER: A PHOTOVOICE STUDY. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sloan, S; Teti, M; Benson, J
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 275
• Page End: 276
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.1019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Given medical advancements and increased longevity, more older adult women are breast cancer survivors than ever before. However, the treatments pursued to increase survival often lead to life-altering consequences. Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can result in substantial body changes. Such changes can significantly impact a survivor's positive body image, which is directly linked to quality of life in older adulthood. While researchers have investigated the impact of body changes on younger breast cancer survivors, few have studied older adults. Moreover, survey and traditional interviewing methods are primarily used to investigate such constructs, yet participatory methods such as Photovoice have the potential to yield deeper insights into the experience of negotiating body changes resulting from breast cancer treatment. The current study utilizes Photovoice data from the Framing Health Project to explore the impact of body changes on older female breast cancer survivors (N=20) ages 60 and older. Strategies of Grounded Theory were applied to analyze photo and transcript data. Analyses revealed a core concept of redefining one's body image during and after breast cancer treatment. Salient themes were identified, such as explaining/negotiating body changes with family members, gaining confidence with constructing body identity, and recognizing various body changes that occur. This work has the capacity to address gaps in the literature pertaining to participatory research methods, as well as the potential to inform quality of life interventions for older female breast cancer survivors.