Until recently, scientific interest in body image issues has lagged far behind the general population’s interest in this area. Perhaps, as Rumsey and Harcourt (2005) have speculated, the subject matter has in the past been seen as somewhat frivolous and associated with vanity.
With the discovery of (1) the existence of a relationship of the psychology of appearance having a role in wider health and well-being and (2) the recognition that appearance plays a role in how we judge both others and ourselves, there has been a substantial increase in interest in appearance & body image research.
We will attempt to provide our readers with studies of interest that support our premise that Image Recovery Center services should be integrated as part of the clinical oncology protocols. We welcome your feedback as well as suggestions of other related studies.