Background
Given the increasing attention to positive body image in breast cancer survivors from a Western perspective, it is crucial to examine both positive and negative body image across different cultures. This study aimed to compare body image levels among women with breast cancer in Australia and China, and explored the association between body image, quality of life (QoL), and psychological well-being.
Methods
Australian (N = 338) and Chinese (N = 116) women with breast cancer completed a web-based questionnaire measuring body image distress, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, QoL, psychological well-being (anxiety, depression, and stress) and demographic, health, and treatment/illness-related factors..
Results
Chinese participants reported lower negative and higher positive body image than Australians, but these differences disappeared after adjusting for demographic and treatment factors. For Australian participants, body distress and functionality appreciation were significantly associated with both QoL and psychological well-being (p < .001). In the Chinese, only body distress was significantly associated with QoL (p = .003), while body distress (p < .001) and body appreciation (p = .008) were significantly associated with psychological well-being. Additionally, a strong correlation (r = -0.71, p < .001) between body image distress and body appreciation was observed among Australians, while the correlation was much weaker (r = -0.24, p = .01) in the Chinese.
Conclusions
Although cultural background may have some influence on body image, demographic and treatment factors appear to play a more critical role among breast cancer survivors from the two countries. Furthermore, both negative and positive body image are relevant to QoL or psychological well-being within breast cancer survivors from two countries. Future research may need to explore the essence of positive body image across different cultures and identify potential culturally tailored interventions.