Tailored Psychological Interventions to Manage Body Image: An Opinion Study on Breast Cancer Survivors.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Oncological care affects the body strongly, even some years after therapies. Body image, as the mental representation of one's own body, is particularly affected by breast cancer, with a high level of dissatisfaction and negative perception. Literature has shown the effectiveness of various psychological interventions to promote body image in breast cancer survivors, dealing with inner sensations and related emotions and thoughts. The present opinion study presents BI issues and personalized psychological interventions to increase a positive BI in breast cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing specific and personalized psychological interventions tailored on BI, the characteristics of oncological journey and emotional and cognitive issues is fundamental. Directions for clinical practice are given.