Psychological Prehab for Body Image Adjustment in Breast Cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a Prototype Psychological Prehabilitation Intervention Using Co-Production to Promote Psychological Adjustment to Body Image Changes in Breast Cancer Patients
IRAS ID
363857
Contact name
Heather Cogger-Ward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can change how people look and feel about their bodies. These changes may include scarring, hair loss, weight changes, or breast asymmetry. Understandably, many women experience distress about these changes, which can affect mood, confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life. Current psychological support often begins after treatment has started, when distress is already present, and existing interventions which focus on body image in this population are limited in effectiveness and theoretical groundings.
This project aims to develop a new intervention before treatment begins, in the period known as “prehabilitation.” Prehabilitation aims to prepare people physically and mentally for treatment. We will create a prototype psychological digital self-help intervention that supports women in coping with changes to body image linked to breast cancer treatment.
The study will use a co-production approach, meaning the intervention will be designed together with two key groups:
- women who have lived experience of breast cancer, and
- healthcare professionals who work with this population.
Around 10 participants (five from each group) will attend a series of workshops over seven months. These sessions will help identify the most important issues around body image, agree on priorities, and shape the design and content of the prototype support tool. Sessions will be audio recorded and analysed, to inform the theoretical understanding of this experience.
The project is being carried out by the University of Nottingham as part of a doctoral training programme in clinical psychology. This will be facilitated in person within Nottingham University Hospitals grounds or University of Nottingham facility. The project is funded by the University of Nottingham.
The findings will provide the foundation for a new form of psychological support offered early in the breast cancer journey, aiming to reduce distress and improve wellbeing.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EM/0282
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion