Body Identity in Women with Breast Cancer

Background and Aim: Breast cancer treatment is associated with changes in women’s bodies. Changes that are related to their femininity in addition to the appearance aspect and can face challenges in the part of women’s identity that is related to their body. This research deals with the process of changes in women’s physical identity in the context of culture and society Materials and Methods: A qualitative method was used for the research, and in this regard, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 women from Tehran who had undergone treatment for breast cancer, along with 5 companions who were alongside the patients during their illness, and 3 surgical doctors. The interviews focused on the experiences, emotions, and actions of the women in response to bodily changes. Sampling was conducted through purposive and snowball sampling methods. The thematic analysis technique developed by Braun and Clarke was employed for analyzing the interviews. Results: The participating women were aged 27 to 65 years, with 8 holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Seven women were housewives, 8 were employed, and 13 had undergone mastectomies. The main themes identified include changes in the female body, societal challenges, disruption of body image, support and companionship, economic constraints, and the redefinition of body image. These themes explain the process of women’s coping with bodily changes. Following bodily changes, women face challenges from society. Society judges women’s bodies after these changes and views them negatively. Furthermore, women experience dissatisfaction with their bodies, perceiving them as inadequate for fulfilling feminine roles and responsibilities as wives and mothers. However, over time, through acceptance of the changes and body management, women strive to reconstruct their body image. In addition, the women’s economic situation and the support and companionship of those around them—manifesting as acceptance of the bodily changes and emotional support—can facilitate the acceptance of these changes. Conclusion: Given the importance of the body in defining femininity, women, after experiencing breast cancer, face not only the suffering of the disease but also identity challenges. Therefore, breast cancer treatment, alongside clinical interventions, requires societal awareness of how to interact with affected women.