Cross-sectional study of gender differences in the perception of body image during cancer-induced weight loss: study protocol for the GRACE study (Global Research on Appearance in Cancer)
Abstract
Background: Unintentional weight loss is prevalent in advanced cancer and maintaining weight is critical to improve clinical outcomes. Body image plays a significant role in how weight loss is perceived. A previous Swedish study showed that men with advanced cancer had a negative perception of cancer-induced weight loss whereas women perceived the weight loss more positively.
Objectives: The aim of the GRACE study (Global Research on Appearance in Cancer) is to study gender differences in the perception of body image during cancer-induced weight loss. Second, we aim to explore cross-country differences in perceptions of body image.
Methods and analysis: This is a study protocol for a multi-centre, cross-sectional study across six countries (Sweden, Chile, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United States and Vietnam) spanning five continents. We aim to recruit 50 women and 50 men with advanced cancer from each country, targeting 600 people in total. Data will be collected through a structured digital questionnaire covering perceived body image measured with the Body Image Scale (BIS), demographics, anthropometrics, weight history, disease-related symptoms and dietary intake. Data collection started in 2025. Patients are enrolled at each site following ethical approval. The primary endpoint is difference in BIS-score between men and women. A difference of 3 BIS points between groups will be considered clinically significant. For statistical analysis, multivariable linear regression…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 600 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.