Session Item

Body image is a multidimensional concept reflecting the attitude of the individual towards the appearance of his body and its functioning. Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers that often involve heavy treatments affecting the body image of these patients. However, this parameter is often overlooked by health professionals and its impact can be overwhelming. The objective of the study: To assess body image in patients with head and neck cancers at different times of treatment.

This is a single-center descriptive cohort study evaluating body image in adult patients with head and neck cancers through the Body Image Scale (BIS). Forty-six patients were included. The median age was 54.5 years [21-75] with a sex ratio of 2.3. Forty patients (87%) were married. Urban origin was noted in 67.4% of cases (31 patients) and primary education level in 54.3% of cases (25 patients). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most common cancer (28 patients; 61%). The questionnaire was filled out during treatment for 29 patients (63%). Seven patients had a personal history of cancer (15.2%).
Treatment was including surgery for 7 patients (15.2%), chemotherapy for 28 patients (61%), and radiotherapy for 29 patients (63%).

Forty patients had functional symptoms related to cancer or treatment (87%). The most common symptoms were: dysphagia (18 patients; 39.1%), xerostomia (11 patients; 23.9%), hair loss (10 patients; 21.7%), dysgeusia (9 patients; 19.6%), fatigue, and pain in 8 patients (17.4%) each.These symptoms were bothering 28 patients (61%).
Mirror avoidance, feeling less attractive, and feeling victims of mutilating treatment were expressed by 12 patients (26.1%) each. Thirteen patients (28.3%) were expressing social avoidance, discomfort with their partner, and lack of self-confidence. Sixteen patients (34.8%) were feeling depressed, however, 36 patients (78.3%) were feeling optimistic and no one had expressed suicidal thoughts.
Forty-four patients (95.7%) claimed to have a containing family and 26 patients (59.1%) complained about harming their profession.
Twenty patients were using camouflage objects (43.5%) of which the most frequent: a scarf or a hijab in 8 patients, a cap in 7 patients, a scarf in 3 patients, and a bib in 1 patient.
The median BSI score was 16.63.
Twelve patients (26.1%) desired to have their body image processed.

Screening for altered body image in patients with head and neck cancer seems to be essential for all health professionals because this parameter could drastically impact the quality of life of these patients. Its adequate management argues in favor of the eminent need to incorporate psycho-oncology in oncology institutions.