Prophylactic Mastectomy: Impact and Intervention
Abstract
Prophylactic mastectomy (PM). the surgical removal of a healthy breast is a risk reduction option offered to women at increased genetic risk of breast cancer. There is limited data on the psychological effects of PM on body image self-esteem marital and family relationships etc. A psychological consultation offered to women making this irreversible decision would likely improve decision-making and subsequent coping. The design of this consultation is best informed by data about physical and emotional effects of surgery from women who have had this procedure. This project aims to gather such data through taped telephone interviews with women who had both breasts removed prophylactically (N-25) women with cancer in one breast who had both breasts removed (N-5O) and women considering PM (N-5O). We aim to determine (1) emotional and interpersonal effects of PM. (2) what women at increased risk of breast cancer anticipate the effects of PM surgery to be. and (3) if women in both groups believe psychological consultation about PM is useful. To date. interview schedules have been completed, pilot interviews conducted and analyzed. surgeons successfully involved in patient review and permission. and IRB approval finalized. Subjects are now being enrolled and interviews scheduled.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA388864
Entities
People
- Andrea Patenaude
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute