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Body image in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer: the role of chronic health conditions
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  • Fabiën Belle,
  • Tomáš Sláma,
  • Christina Schindera,
  • Tamara Diesch,
  • Mutlu Kartal-Kaess,
  • Claudia Kuehni,
  • Luzius Mader
Fabiën Belle
University of Bern

Corresponding Author:fabien.belle@ispm.unibe.ch

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Tomáš Sláma
University of Bern
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Christina Schindera
University of Bern
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Tamara Diesch
University Children's Hospital Basel
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Mutlu Kartal-Kaess
University Children's Hospital Bern
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Claudia Kuehni
University of Bern
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Luzius Mader
University of Bern
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Abstract

Background: Cancer diagnosis and its treatment may impair the long-term body image of childhood cancer survivors. This may be particularly relevant in adolescence, a critical period of psycho-social development. We compared the body image between adolescent cancer survivors and their siblings, and determined whether survivors’ body image is associated with socio-demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and health conditions. Procedure: As part of the nationwide Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent questionnaires to adolescents (aged 16-19 years), who survived >5 years after having been diagnosed with childhood cancer between 1976-2010. Siblings received the same questionnaire. We assessed the level of agreement with three body image statements referring to body satisfaction and preferences for changes. Chronic health conditions were classified into cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, musculoskeletal, renal/ digestive, neurological, and hearing or vision impairment. We used ordered logistic regression models to identify determinants of a more negative body image. Results: Our study included 504 survivors (48% female) with a median age at study of 17.7 years (IQR 16.8-18.6) and 136 siblings. Survivors and siblings reported overall comparable levels of the three body image statements (all p>0.05). Female survivors (all ORs ≥ 1.7), survivors treated with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (all ORs ≥ 2.2), and survivors with ≥ 2 chronic health conditions (all ORs ≥ 1.4) reported a more negative body image. This was particularly pronounced for survivors suffering from musculoskeletal or endocrine conditions. Conclusion: Clinicians should address body image concerns in adolescent survivors with chronic conditions and offer psycho-social support if necessary.
23 May 2022Submitted to Pediatric Blood & Cancer
23 May 2022Submission Checks Completed
23 May 2022Assigned to Editor
26 May 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Jun 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Jun 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
09 Aug 2022Submission Checks Completed
09 Aug 2022Assigned to Editor
09 Aug 20221st Revision Received
10 Aug 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Accept