Treating Body Image Concerns of Cancer Patients: Latest Advancements in Science and Clinical PracticeSpeakers: Erin Buck PhD, Irene Teo PhD and Michelle Fingeret PhDThis 4 hour workshop will be delivered by psychologists working in the United States and Singapore who have unique expertise in conducting research and clinical care for cancer patients adjusting to body image changes that result from cancer and its treatment. We seek to provide a general overview of theoretical and conceptual foundations for managing body image changes experienced by cancer survivors and introduce attendees to several internationally recognized programs that have fueled major advancements in research, clinical practice, and public policy related to body image care for cancer patients. The majority of the workshop will be focused on training psychosocial providers how to develop and deliver empirically-supported body image interventions to enhance patient care. A broad range of treatment strategies will be covered including the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational, and acceptance-based approaches. We will also demonstrate ways that body image interventions developed with cancer patients at a large comprehensive cancer center in the United States have been applied and modified for use with cancer patients at the National Cancer Centre in Singapore. This will provide a unique opportunity to consider cross-cultural issues in body image care.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe 3 theoretical models providing a foundation for empirically-supported intervention strategies to treat body image difficulties of cancer survivors
- Delineate numerous practical intervention strategies to help cancer patients cope with recent body image changes and promote greater body image acceptance during survivorship
- Identify cultural issues affecting the delivery of body image care to cancer survivors in different parts of the world
