THE BREAST CANCER SPECIFIC PATIENT CONCERNS INVENTORY (PCI) AS A MEANS TO ASSIST THE IDENTIFICATION OF BODY IMAGE CONCERNS IN ROUTINE FOLLOW UP CLINICS

Introduction: The aim of this work is to assess the role of the breast cancer [BC] specific Patient Concerns Inventory [PCI] in the identification of body image concerns in breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using the BC specific PCI with an established breast cancer HRQOL measure [EORTC C30 with BR23]. Results: Survey responses were obtained from 80% [200/249] of participants. There was significant correlation between the number of body image related items selected and the number of PCI items selected in other PCI domains, the total number of other PCI items selected and the total number of health professionals selected. Conclusions: The breast cancer specific PCI can be use as a screening tool for body image as well as for a range of other issues in order to identify a subgroup of patients that would benefit from focus interventions.