Effect of mind and body education on quality of life among young breast cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aim was to evaluate efficacy of the combination with cosmetic and psychosocial education program on body image, sexual function, and emotional function among young-onset breast cancer (YBC). METHODS: An unblended, randomized, controlled trial design was conducted in patients newly diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer from 2014 to 2015. The intervention group received a structured education program including appearance management and mind control for 4 weeks. The outcome of this study shows effect on body image and sexual functioning and a distress due to altered appearance and anxiety after the intervention and 6 months after intervention. RESULTS: Among 228 eligible patients, 109 (47.8%) agreed to participate in the present study and were randomized to intervention (n = 54) or control (n = 55) groups. After intervention, the intervention group reported significantly better body image compared to the control group (mean score of 75.0 vs. 59.3, respectively; P < 0.01). The intervention group also reported significantly lower levels of distress due to altered appearance and higher levels of sexual functioning compared to the control group after the intervention. The effects were maintained even 6 months after intervention. CONCLUSION(S) Body image intervention for YBC had effect on improving body image and sexual functioning and a reduction in distress due to altered appearance and anxiety. Trial registration number and date of registration The study was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (no. KCT0001191, https//cris.nih.go.kr/cris ) on 23 July 2014.