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 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. Design of this consultation is best informed by data about physical and emotional effects of surgery from women who have had this procedure. In Year 2 we conducted taped, telephone interviews with women with cancer in one breast who had both breasts removed (49 enrolled), women who had both breasts removed prophylactically (15 enrolled), and women considering PM (16 enrolled). We aim to determine: (1) emotional and interpersonal effects of PM, (2) anticipated effect of PM among women at increased risk, and (3) subjects' beliefs about the utility of psychological consultation. In Year 2 we also; (1) revised demographic forms and interview schedules for subjects considering PM, (2) developed a statistical database and entered demographic data, and (3) transcribed and initially analyzed completed interviews. Preliminary findings were accepted for presentation at an international conference on psychosocial aspects of cancer genetics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA403454
Entities
People
- Andrea Patenaude
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute