Intersection of appearance, confidence and intimacy among women with cancer in India: studying the impact on mental health

Purpose Cancer treatments can impact various aspects of quality of life of patients. This study aims to determine number of women who report changes in appearance due to cancer treatment and if they related it to their confidence and impact on sexual relationships with partners. Design/methodology/approach For current study, responses from women with cancer, inquiring about their experiences pertaining to appearance, confidence and sexual intimacy with partner in context of cancer diagnosis and treatment, were recorded and statistically analysed. It was compared with same for patients with other sites of cancer. In total, 113 women with breast cancer and 84 women with other types of cancers were included. Chi-square test was used to calculate the statistical significance. Findings The analysis indicated significant difference in confidence level reported by women with breast cancer compared to women with other sites of cancer also affecting their approaching partner for a physical relationship (p-value = 0.001, significance level = 0.05). These results suggest that perceived changes in appearance and sexual relationships are reported more among women treated with breast cancer compared to other cancer sites. Practical implications Findings highlight significance of perceived changes in appearance due to breast cancer treatment on women’s confidence levels and in approaching their partner for a physical relationship. In comparison to other cancer sites, breast cancer patients experience distinct challenges in terms of body image and sexual concerns. Health-care professionals must prioritise vulnerable populations and provide appropriate support to enhance quality of life of women undergoing breast cancer treatment to improve their overall quality of life and psychological well-being. Social implications Mental health of cancer patients is a very under-addressed area in India; also, the trained resource to meet with these challenges is limited. This study will facilitate understanding to improve on the same. Originality/value There are not many studies that are conducted to study these aspects of mental health of cancer patients in India. It thereby adds to the literature to understand the underlying factors of these aspects related to cancer.