Early Diagnosis of Skin and Breast Cancer in Women: Influence of Body Image Perception

Background: The diagnosis of melanoma and breast cancer may impact many aspects of life with significant reductions in emotional functioning and quality of life. Aims: . Aim of the study was to analyze the emotional traits of female patients with oncological diagnosis (early stage melanoma/breast cancer) investigating prevalence and predictors for psychological stress. Methods: . A sample of 84 female patients (age range 30-50 years) with diagnosis of melanoma/breast cancer stage T0-T2 participated in the study. The examined emotional variables were: psychological distress, depression, stress, anxiety, metacognitions and body self-perception. Results: . Findings showed higher psychological distress in breast cancer than melanoma patients and, that was related to lower positive self-perception of body image. No significant difference between cancer staging. Conclusions: . Prevention and intervention protocols must be adapted taking into account tumor type in the adoption of preventive behaviors and compliance with medical recommendations during survivorship.