Quantitative assessment of appearance changes and related distress in cancer patients

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Abstract
Objectives: This study examined both the frequency of appearance‐related symptoms and distress resulting from these symptoms in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.Methods: Self‐report questionnaires were distributed to 753 outpatients receiving ≧4 weeks of treatment at an outpatient chemotherapy center. Valid responses were returned by 638 patients (response rate, 84.7%). Participants were questioned about 57 appearance‐related symptoms (AS) and 23 non‐appearance‐related physical symptoms (non‐AS); psychological well‐being was assessed using a shortened version of the Derriford Appearance Scale 59.Results: Questionnaire responses were obtained from 264 male and 374 female patients (mean age, 59.5 years; range, 18–85 years). Most respondents (80.3%) were concerned with changes in appearance resulting from treatment. By sex and disease type, women suffered more than men, and treatment for breast cancer created the greatest distress for women.Conclusion: Cancer patients are concerned about a variety of AS, and these may result in greater distress than non‐AS. AS‐related information and care are increasingly being sought in advance of treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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