Summary
Objectives
Increasing numbers of women are undergoing appearance-altering surgery for the treatment
and/or prevention of breast cancer. However, women's experiences of seeing the results
of their breast surgery for the first time, and the support available to them, are
currently omitted from the research literature. This study aimed to explore women's
initial experiences of seeing their appearance after mastectomy and/or breast reconstruction.
Design
An online mixed-methods survey explored participants’ feelings and expectations before
seeing their breast surgery for the first time, their experiences of looking at the
results of their surgery, and the support they received.
Methods
Women (n = 128) who had undergone mastectomy and/or breast reconstruction following a diagnosis
of invasive breast cancer, DCIS or increased risk of breast cancer participated. Data
were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis.
Results
Most respondents had worried about looking at their breast/breast area for the first
time, with 75% concerned about what they would see. Women found the experience moderately
distressing, and younger women were particularly concerned about other people's reactions
to their altered appearance. Approximately half of the women (51%) felt they received
enough support, while 29% thought this aspect of care could be improved. Areas for
improvement were suggested, including increased preparation, privacy and support.
Conclusion
Women's experiences of looking at their breast/breast area and any donor site after
surgery vary considerably. The results indicate important implications for provision
of care and further research.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 14, 2019
Accepted:
January 6,
2019
Received:
July 31,
2018
Footnotes
✰Parts of this article have been presented at the following meetings/conferences: 1. ‘Appearance Matters 8′ conference in June 2018 (Bath, UK). 2. ‘British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Conference’ in September 2018 (Newcastle, UK).
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
