“Our Organs Have a Purpose”: Body Image Acceptance in Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objective

Studies examining body image concerns among breast cancer survivors have primarily captured the experiences of non-Latina White women. Thus, little is known about body image concerns among Latinas. To address this gap, we examined Latina breast cancer survivors' lived experiences related to body image.

Methods

Twenty-seven Latina breast cancer survivors provided data through focus groups and individual interviews as part of a larger study conducted by the first author. In the current paper, we conducted a secondary thematic analysis to uncover women's experiences unique to body image concerns.

Results

We identified two themes related to women's experiences with body image: (a) Perceptions of Loss and Reconstruction, and (b) Process of Achieving Body Image Acceptance. The salience of these themes varied as a function of survivorship stage and type of surgery.

Conclusions

Body image concerns are distressing for Latina breast cancer survivors. Accepting their altered appearance was an ongoing and complex process. Clinical implications include the need for psychoeducational programs and tailored interventions to enhance women's body image acceptance.

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