Selected Determinants of Self-Esteem and Body Image Perception in Women After Gynecological and Breast Cancer Treatment

Introduction: Cancer and its treatment can significantly affect self-perception and body image in women. Physical and psychological changes resulting from cancer treatment can lead to lower self-esteem and negative perceptions of body image.Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess self-esteem and perceptions of self-image among women following oncological treatment for gynecological and breast cancers, compared to a group of healthy women.Material and Methods: The survey was conducted by CAWI and included a total of 380 women. The study group consisted of 177 women aged 20-73 who had undergone treatment for breast cancer or gynecological cancers. The control group consisted of 203 healthy women aged 18-65. The participants completed the Body Image Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES).Results: Women after cancer treatment had significantly lower body image and self-esteem scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The highest scores were observed in women after breast cancer treatment, while the lowest scores were observed in patients treated for endometrial cancer. Type of cancer proved to be a key determinant of self-perception, while treatment status had no significant effect on the results.Conclusions: The type of cancer significantly affects self-esteem and body image in women after cancer treatment. The results underscore the need to include aspects of self-esteem in the care of cancer patients.