Explanation of body image changes in individuals with urostomy diagnosed with bladder cancer

The aim of this study is to exploration the body image changes of individuals with urostomy diagnosed with bladder cancer. The research is descriptive qualitative type. The study was conducted in a research hospital in Izmir, Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 15 individuals with urostomy diagnosed with bladder cancer who were followed up from the urology service selected by purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were analysed by thematic analysis method. Urostomies performed due to bladder cancer cause body image changes. As a result of the research, four themes emerged as a result of changes in body image of individuals with urostomy. These themes are; the meaning of the changing body, the triggers of body image problems, the effects of deterioration in body image and coping. . As a result, nurses should encourage individuals to express their feelings and thoughts about the changing body after urostomy, recognise what triggers body image problems, and provide psychosocial support based on holistic care to cope with body image problems. Keywords: body image, nursing, bladder cancer, urostomy