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05SCIENCE, PRACTICE AND EDUCATION DOI: 10.35279/jowm202110.05 Body image in head and neck cancer patients - Schilder‘s conceptual framework revisited Emmy Ngoakoana Nokaneng , MChD (Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery) Year 1 Student - Masters in Wound Healing and Tissue Repair Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Cardiff University Wales, UK Correspondence: nokanengen@cardiff.ac.uk · Conflicts of interest: None ORCID: 0000 0002 4890 2439 Keywords: Body image, disfigurement, dysfunction, face, head and neck cancer ABSTRACT Background Disfigurement and dysfunction of the face are at- tributes of body image disturbance in individuals with head and neck cancer. Research in body image has highlighted that people with head and neck cancer experience significant disfigurement and dysfunction with altered body image disturbance. Although research has advanced our understanding and knowledge of the characteristics of body image and body image disturbance, there is a lack of focus on the theoretical frameworks that interrogate the body image construct in individuals with head and neck cancer and the role of the face in formulating this construct. Aim This paper aims to appraise body image conceptual frameworks with an emphasis on the face as an in- tegral organ in formulating body image. Methods Schilder’s seminal body image conceptual frame- work was appraised and contrasted with that of Kolb’s and Price’s model as well as with the current evidence on body image disturbance in relation to the face. Findings Body image conceptual frameworks are valuable tools for understanding body image and body im- age disturbances in individuals with head and neck cancer. However, Schilder’s framework integrates the physiological, psychological and sociocultural aspects the body image. Conclusion Schilder’s framework embodies body image and en- ables an integrated and inclusive approach to body image in individuals with head and neck cancer. INTRODUCTION Body image (BI) is the dynamic perception of one’s own bodily appearance, function and sensations and the feelings associated with these perceptions. 1,2 It is a multifaceted construct that is influenced by neu- rocognitive, psychosocial, physiological, cultural and pathological factors. 3,4 Head and neck cancers (HNC) comprise a heteroge- neous group of malignancies in various anatomical subsites, including the oral cavity, pharynx, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, larynx and salivary glands. 5,6 HNC constitutes 3% of all malignancies diagnosed in the United States and the United Kingdom 5,7 and has significant morbidity, with a mortality rate of 16%. 7 The treatment modalities for HNC involve abla- tive surgery with or without adjuvant therapy (i.e., chemotherapy and radiotherapy). 8 The morbidity as- sociated with HNC 9 causes significant disturbances of BI. 10 Unlike neoplasms occurring in other organs, JOURNAL OF WOUND MANAGEMENT OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN WOUND MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION  31Page 2