Objective: This study aimed to identify the correlation between body image (BI) perception and quality of life (QoL) in Thai breast cancer patients. Moreover, we investigated the change of BI and QoL over time in breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy and breast conserving therapy (BCT).
Materials and Methods: Sixty Thai breast cancer patients who diagnosed at least one year at MSMC during July, 2016 to April, 2017 were asked to complete the questionnaires. We collected demographic data and history of breast cancer treatment from medical record. All participants were evaluated about BI and QoL by completed Thai version of body image scale (TBIS), EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ BR-23. The data were assessed at month 0 and 6th. Spearman’s rho Correlations and repeated measures ANOVA were used to analyze the relation and change of BI and QoL over time.
Results: Thirty patients underwent BCT. Mean age was 54.7 years and 73.3 percent was in early stage breast cancer. Moderate correlation were presented between BI and emotional functioning, and upset by hair loss. BCT group had lower score statistical significant in physical functioning, social functioning and future perspective comparing to mastectomy group. Additionally, patients whose age more than 55 years had better QoL in social functioning and other functional measurements (p-value <0.05) than younger patients. Changing of BI between mastectomy and BCT over 6-month period did not affect by time but time and type of surgery interaction had been found in TBIS score (F (1, 58)=6.79, p=0.012). Global health status in both group were decreased overtime (F (1, 58)=5.84, p=0.019).
Conclusion: BI was correlated to QoL in Thai breast cancer patients. Younger patients had lower QoL comparing to older patients. BI perception and QoL had changed over time depend on type of surgery.

Keywords: Quality of life; Body image; Breast cancer; Surgery; Thai