Exploring the body image experiences of women with a permanent stoma

Abstract

Stoma surgery can bring significant physical and psychological changes to an individual’s life. This study explored the experiences of living with a stoma and body image. 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who underwent permanent stoma surgery due to either colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Thematic analyses revealed three key themes: (A) Adjusting to a new reality; (B) Lack of representation; (C) Moving forward. Results indicated that women with a stoma face an array of life changes, particularly surrounding struggles with body image post-surgery. All participants expressed that the presence of a stoma has had a negative impact on body image, with more pronounced concerns among colorectal cancer patients. The need for a more integrated approach for assessing and supporting those with stoma-related psychological symptoms is highlighted.