Self-image among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative study

Survivors report ways in which their cancer experience and social perceptions contribute to their sense of self. The multifaceted aspects of self-image described are key concepts that psychosocial providers should assess throughout the AYA cancer trajectory. From AYAs' perspective, social media contributes to their self-image by creating a pressure to conform to societal expectations on appearance; additional research and support to mitigate this impact are warranted. Increasing AYAs' media literacy and enhancing psychosocial assessments and support to navigate online and offline social worlds may help shape AYA's self-image.