Restoring Body Image After Cancer (ReBIC): Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Mené sur 131 patientes ayant survécu à un cancer du sein, cet essai randomisé évalue l'efficacité d'une intervention psychosociale destinée à améliorer leur image corporelle, leur sexualité et leur qualité de vie (durée de suivi : 1 an)
Purpose : This study aimed to test a group psychosocial intervention focused on improving disturbances of body image (BI), sexual functioning, and quality of life in breast cancer (BC) survivors. Methods : A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of an 8-week group intervention in women after BC treatment. The manual-based intervention combined two powerful ingredients: expressive guided-imagery exercises integrated within a model of group-therapy principles. The intervention facilitates exploration of identity, the development of new self-schemas, and personal growth. In addition, the intervention included an educational component on the social and cultural factors affecting women’s self-esteem and BI. The control condition included standard care plus educational reading materials. One hundred ninety-four BC survivors who had expressed concerns about negative BI and/or difficulties with sexual functioning participated in the study; 131 were randomly assigned to the intervention, and 63 were assigned to the control condition. Participants were followed for 1 year. Results : Women in the intervention group reported significantly less concern/distress about body appearance (P < .01), decreased body stigma (P < .01), and lower level of BC−related concerns (P < .01), compared with women in the control group. BC-related quality of life was also better in the intervention group compared with the control group at the 1-year follow-up (P < .01). There was no statistically significant group difference in sexual functioning. Conclusion : Restoring Body Image After Cancer (ReBIC), a group intervention using guided imagery within a group-therapy approach, is an effective method for addressing BI-related concerns and quality of life post-BC. The manual-based intervention can be easily adapted to both cancer centers and primary care settings.