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Look Good Feel Better workshops: A “big lift” for women with cancer

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Abstract

Background. Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) aims to help women manage appearance-related side effects of cancer and its treatment. In this pilot study, we assessed the impact of LGFB workshops on self-image, social interactions, perceived social support, and anxiety. Methods. We administered scales preworkshop and postworkshop participation. We conducted semistructured telephone interviews following attendance. Results. Statistically and qualitatively, subjects experienced significant improvement in self-image, social interaction, and anxiety. Participant anxiety decreased, but greater social support was anticipated than actually obtained. Conclusions. LGFB workshops increase self-image, improve social interactions, and reduce anxiety.

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Author notes

  1. Joyce Nyhof-Young BSC, MSC, PHD (Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology)

    Present address: Helliwell Medical Education Centre, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Linda R. Taggart HBSC, MD & Laura Ozolins BSC, MD

  2. Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Linda R. Taggart HBSC, MD & Laura Ozolins BSC, MD

  3. Department of Volunteer Resources, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Heather Hardie CVM

  4. Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Joyce Nyhof-Young BSC, MSC, PHD (Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology)

  5. Department of Oncology Education, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Joyce Nyhof-Young BSC, MSC, PHD (Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology)

Authors
  1. Linda R. Taggart HBSC, MD
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  2. Laura Ozolins BSC, MD
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  3. Heather Hardie CVM
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  4. Joyce Nyhof-Young BSC, MSC, PHD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joyce Nyhof-Young BSC, MSC, PHD.

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Taggart, L.R., Ozolins, L., Hardie, H. et al. Look Good Feel Better workshops: A “big lift” for women with cancer. J Canc Educ 24, 94–99 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1080/08858190802664594

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