Body Image/Self Image Health Article

Treatments

Cosmetic

Since 1989, the American Cancer Society, the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association Foundation, and the National Cosmetology Association have sponsored the "Look Good… Feel Better" (LGFB) program, which offers classes in a number of medical centers. These classes help female cancer patients with self image issues as well as teaching them special grooming techniques to manage the side effects of cancer therapy. LGFB has been available in Canada since 1992.

Hair loss can be covered by a variety of wigs, partial hairpieces, and scarves or turbans. The American Hair Loss Council offers more detailed information about these and other ways to cope with hair loss caused by cancer treatment. Doctors who specialize in plastic surgery can suggest ways to treat facial scars or other types of surgical disfigurement, including the loss of body parts. A prosthesis, which is an artificial replacement for a missing or damaged body part, can be made to order for the patient.

Counseling and support

Cancer patients who are experiencing serious emotional problems related to changes in appearance may benefit from counseling or support groups. Individual psychotherapy guides people to look at the reasons for focusing on their looks as well as ways to cope with the changes. Pastoral or spiritual counseling can help remind patients that they are more than just their bodies. Support groups for cancer patients are good places to share feelings and useful tips about dress and grooming with others who are in the same situation.

Alternative and complementary therapies

Alternative and complementary therapies may help patients to deal with changes in self and body image through developing a fuller self image, finding new interests, or learning new skills. Meditation and prayer can help patients put physical appearance inside a larger framework of values. Some cancer patients find yoga, t'ai chi, and dance or movement therapy are interesting to learn as well as good forms of exercise. Lastly, massage, calming or uplifting music, and aromatherapy allow patients to balance the side effects of cancer treatment with relaxing and pleasant experiences.

See Also Sexuality; Alopecia

Resources

BOOKS

Chapkis, Wendy. Beauty Secrets: Women and the Politics of Appearance. Boston: South End Press, 1986.

Dollinger, Malin, M.D., Ernest H. Rosenbaum, M.D., and Greg Cable. Cancer Therapy. Kansas City, MO: Somerville House, 1994.

Johnston, Joni E., Psy. D. Appearance Obsession:Learning to Love the Way You Look. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications, Inc. 1994.

Peiss, Kathy. Hope in a Jar: The Making of America's Beauty Culture. New York: Metropolitan Books, Henry Holt and Company, 1998.

PERIODICALS

Clark, Jack A., Nelda Wray, Baruch Brody, Carol Ashton, Brian Giesler, and Herbert Watkins. "Dimensions of Quality of Life Expressed by Men Treated for Metastatic Prostate Cancer." Soc. Sci. Med, 45, no. 8 (1999): pp 1299-1309.

PROGRAMS AND ASSOCIATIONS

American Hair Loss Council. (888) 873-9719. <http://www.ahlc.org>.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. 7910 Woodmont Avenue, Suite 460, Bethesda, MD 20814. (301) 657-8401 or (800) 366-CCCF.

Look Good… Feel Better (LGFB). 1100 Connecticut Avenue N. W., Washington, DC 20036. (800) 395-5665. In Canada: Look Good… Feel Better, 420 Britannia Road East, Suite 102, Mississaugua, Ontario L4Z 3L5 (905) 890-5161. Fax: (905) 890-2607. Web site: <http://www.lgfb.ca>.

National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health. Chemotherapy and You: A Guide to Self-Help During Cancer Treatment. NIH Publication #99-1136. Can be downloaded from <http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov>.

OTHER

"For Women:Body Image Issues." Gillette Women's Cancer Connection. 1999. 16 March 2001. <http://www.gillettecancerconnect.org>.

Rebecca J. Frey, Ph.D.

Body image

—A term that refers to a person's inner picture of his or her outward appearance.

Prosthesis (plural, prostheses)

—An artificial substitute for a missing or defective body part. Pros-theses are usually designed to look and feel as natural as possible.

Self image

—A wider term that includes a person's perception of his or her talents, character traits, interests, spirituality, and other aspects of their being as well as outward physical appearance.