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An exploration of body image distress in women who underwent a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO)

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Abstract

Prophylactic Bilateral Salpingo-Oophorectomy (PBSO) may be associated with body image distress (BID). However, the risk factors of BID after PBSO and its sexual and relational consequences are still largely understudied. This study aimed at investigating 1) the frequency of BID after PBSO; 2) the role of previous medical treatments for breast cancer and age on BID; and 3) the mediating role of couple satisfaction on the relationship between BID and sexual distress. Fifty-nine women (Mage: 50.64 ± 6.7 years) who underwent PBSO took part in this cross-sectional study, filling out a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, and self-report measures of body image, sexual distress and couple satisfaction. Statistical analyses included the Kruskal–Wallis test and a mediation model. One third (33.9%; N = 20) of the participants reported a BID. The areas of major concern were those related to physical appearance and attractiveness. Women younger than 50 years old and with a history of invasive treatments for breast cancer (i.e., mastectomy plus chemotherapy or radiotherapy) reported the highest levels of BID. Moreover, BID was a significant positive predictor of sexual distress (β = .385; p < .001), and couple satisfaction significantly mediated this association [.008, .384]; p = .041). BID is a common issue among women who underwent PBSO, being associated with negative relational and sexual consequences. Given their greater risk to develop BID, women younger than 50 years old and with an history of invasive breast cancer treatment may require ad-hoc, tailored psychological interventions to foster their body self-acceptance.

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Acknowledgements

We thank ACTO Lombardia Onlus, aBRCAdaBRA Onlus, the “Inner Wheel” Association and the Gorla Utensili SRL for their continuous and generous support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy

    Cristina Zarbo

  2. Gynaecologic Surgery Unit, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy

    Robert Fruscio & Federica Paola Sina

  3. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy

    Robert Fruscio, Maria Grazia Strepparava & Isadora Vaglio Tessitore

  4. Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy

    Agostino Brugnera, Chiara Celi, Valentina Dessì & Angelo Compare

  5. Clinical Psychology Unit, ASST-Monza, Monza, Italy

    Maria Grazia Strepparava

  6. Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy

    Rita Secomandi, Chiara Malandrino & Luigi Frigerio

  7. Private Practice, Bergamo, Italy

    Mariangela Ventura

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  1. Cristina Zarbo
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Correspondence to Cristina Zarbo.

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Zarbo, C., Fruscio, R., Brugnera, A. et al. An exploration of body image distress in women who underwent a prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO). Curr Psychol 43, 8752–8759 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04991-6

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