Survey on the modalities of coping with changes in their physical aspect enacted by oncological patients

9625 Background: Cancer frequently causes physical changes that are difficult to accept; individuals looking at themselves in the mirror continously recall to their mind the disease. Moreover, surgical, radiation and medical therapy may transiently or permanently change the physical look of patients. Methods: we assessed the modalities utlized by cancer patients to cope with a mutated physical aspect upon different treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, other procedures). A questionnaire was administered to 80 consecutive patients followed by our Unit. Results: The compliance to the survey was 100%. Even though not requested, in 38% of cases patients undersigned the questionnaire and 62% put a title or specification (i.e. “a patient”, “ a retired teacher”, etc.). To the question: “Me and the mirror: a relationship of hate or love ?”, 52% answered “hate”, 7% “indifferent”, 41% “love”. 97% of patients indicated a change in the perception of his/her body becuase of: surgery (13%), catheters in...