A 15-year-old undergoing chemotherapy is most concerned about which issue related to health problems?

A 15-year-old undergoing chemotherapy is most concerned about which issue related to health problems?

• A. Missing time at school
• B. Limiting social activities
• C. Being dependent while enjoying the sick role
• D. Feeling different regarding changes in body image

Answer: (D)

In adolescence, the way you look and how you think others see you are central to developing identity. Chemotherapy often brings visible changes—hair loss, skin changes, weight shifts, fatigue—that can make a teen feel different from their peers. That sense of altering appearance and not fitting in can cause the most distress and influence daily life more than other issues. Missing time at school or limiting social activities are real concerns, but they are often secondary to the impact of body changes on self-image and peer acceptance. Feeling dependent or adopting a “sick role” can feel uncomfortable for teens who want independence, yet the deepest worry tends to be how these health problems alter their body image and sense of normalcy.

In adolescence, the way you look and how you think others see you are central to developing identity. Chemotherapy often brings visible changes—hair loss, skin changes, weight shifts, fatigue—that can make a teen feel different from their peers. That sense of altering appearance and not fitting in can cause the most distress and influence daily life more than other issues.

Missing time at school or limiting social activities are real concerns, but they are often secondary to the impact of body changes on self-image and peer acceptance. Feeling dependent or adopting a “sick role” can feel uncomfortable for teens who want independence, yet the deepest worry tends to be how these health problems alter their body image and sense of normalcy.