Self-Knowledge and Body Image among Cervical Cancer Survivors’ Women in Northern Upper Egypt
Research Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the 4th most frequent cancer in women. Cervical cancer affects all aspects of а patient's life, including body image. Aim: The current study aims to assess women's self-knowledge and body image among survivors' women in Northern Upper Egypt. Methods; Design: A descriptive research design was conducted. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: Data was collected through a structured interviewing questionnaire sheet and a scoring system for women’s knowledge about cervical cancer, and body Image Scale. Results: The results of the study revealed that one-third of women were in the 1st degree when diagnosed with cervical cancer, 22.9% of the studied women know the definition of cervical cancer, 10.0% abled to mentioned causes of cervical cancer, 71.4% mentioned manifestations & management, 20.0% known predisposing factors, 11.4% the diagnostic procedures of cervical cancer, while only 2.9% known preventive measures of cervical cancer. More than half (57.1%) of the studied women reported that they have very much dissatisfaction with appearance when dressed & feeling less feminine as a result of disease or treatment. More than one-third (38.7%, 38.6%, 44.3%) reported that they have very much feeling dissatisfaction with their body, find it difficult to look at naked, and feeling the treatment has left body less whole, respectively. Conclusion: Women's self-knowledge & body image distress were more prevalent among older, less educated, urban dwellers, and those whose age of marriage was less than 20 years old. Recommendations: Implement an educational program and disseminate information that focuses on educating women about cervical cancer risks, prevention, and early detection to enhance uptake of cervical cancer. Implement an educational program to improve the self-body image of women with cervical cancer.
Research Keywords
Cervical Cancer, Women's Knowledge, Body Image