The Effect of Cosmetic Makeup on Body Imagery and Anxiety and Depression in Patients Undergoing Postoperative Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose: The objective was to compare the body images of breast cancer patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy and the varying degrees of their anxiety and depression. The comparison involved those who received four consecutive cycles of cosmetic makeup and those who did not. Patients and therapy were randomly assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. The control group received usual care, while the intervention group received four consecutive cycles of chemotherapy along with cosmetic makeup intervention on top of usual care. The intervention was carried out on the first day after the completion of each chemotherapy cycle. Assessments were made before the first intervention and 1 month after the fourth intervention using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Scale of Body Imagery. Results: After four cycles of intervention, significant differences emerged between the intervention and control groups regarding anxiety, depression, and body imagery. Additionally, within the intervention group, notable changes in these aspects were observed over time. Conclusion: The results showed that cosmetic interventions can effectively reduce the level of anxiety and depression of breast cancer patients receiving postoperative chemotherapy and effectively improve the body imagery of patients.