A Mixed-Methods Cohort Study to Determine Perceived Patient Benefit in Providing Custom Breast Prostheses

Abstract

ConclusionsThe qualitative data provide a strong case in support of the new device. Patient demand, perceived benefit, and experience wearing the prosthesis were documented. Suggestions for improvements in the device and in the program operations were gathered and will influence future development of this service. KEY WORDSMastectomy, custom breast prosthesis, mixed methodology, cancer rehabilitation, quality of life

Variables that Affect the Satisfaction of Brazilian Women with External Breast Prostheses after Mastectomy

“…Our study can be corroborated by Kubon et al (2012) which found similar data, not presenting any changes in sexual activity nor in the relationship with partners. Study realized with aim to compare hysterectomy and mastectomy patients in terms of depression, body image, sexual problems and spouse relations, showed that women with mastecotomy was associated with more depression and not present sexual problems (Keskin and Gumus, 2011).…”

“…Kubon et al (2012), in a research with 19 patients who used external prosthesis, concluded that the most common differences in the group referred to the disease (cancer), the treatment, the feeling of being feminine and attractive, and to sexual activity. Although these differences are visible, there was no statistical significance.…”

“…Among the women subjected to mastectomy, 90% will use some type of prosthesis, including the external one. In a research with 65 women with mastectomy, the subjects reported that using prosthesis was rewarding and comfortable (Kubon et al, 2012).…”

Perspectives of women about external breast prostheses

“…At our cancer centre, a new type of external custom-designed breast prosthesis was developed (Kubon, McClennen, Fitch, McAndrew, & Anderson, 2011). The evaluation of this new product provided an opportunity to explore women's perspectives about external breast prostheses.…”

Free and Open Source 3-D Model Customizer for Websites to Democratize Design with OpenSCAD

“…Unfortunately, losing part of or the entire breast through surgery (for both breast conserving surgery and mastectomy) often leads to further problems during the recovery period, including psychosocial morbidity (anxiety, depression, body image/self-image, distress, anxiety, sexuality, and self-esteem) [47][48][49]. In addition, breast cancer patients often choose to avoid reconstructive surgery because of finances, physical conditions, or the recovery time [50]. For these women, external breast prosthesis (EBP) has been shown to be an effective solution [51] and is used by up to 90% of women after surgery in western countries [50].…”