Long-Term Role of External Breast Prostheses After Total Mastectomy

Abstract

After total mastectomy, many women choose to wear external breast prosthesis rather than undergo breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term satisfaction among external breast prosthesis wearers and the impact of satisfaction on prosthesis use. A questionnaire was designed to assess demographic information, prosthesis information provision, prosthesis use, and satisfaction with prosthesis. Fifty-nine women who had undergone total mastectomy without breast reconstruction completed the questionnaire. The majority of women (68%) were at least 5 years out from mastectomy. Approximately half (49%) of the women had received information about breast prostheses prior to mastectomy; 29% received information from the surgeon performing the operation. Frequent and prolonged prosthesis use was prevalent with 64% of participants reporting prosthesis use all the time, 6-7 days/week. Participants showed high rates (83%) of overall satisfaction. However, women who wore their prosthesis out in public only were less satisfied than more frequent wearers (50% versus 89%, chi(2) = 8.83, d.f. = 1, alpha = 0.05). Satisfaction increased over time, as women who were greater than 5 years out from mastectomy were more satisfied than women less that 5 years post-mastectomy (90% versus 67%, chi(2) = 4.43, d.f. = 1, alpha = 0.05). The vast majority of women are satisfied with their external breast prosthesis several years after mastectomy. Most women used their prosthesis all the time and overall satisfaction contributed to higher levels of prosthesis use. Given the long-term importance of external breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomy, a greater effort to inform patients about external breast prostheses prior to surgery is needed.

Evaluation of changes to foot shape in females 5 years after mastectomy: a case–control study

“…Not wearing an external breast prosthesis can result in bone deformities and abnormal body axis [26]. …”

Perspectives of women about external breast prostheses

“…All were satisfied. However, those who were more than five years post-mastectomy were more satisfied than those who were less than five years (90% versus 67%) and those who wore the prosthesis consistently (six to seven days/week) were more satisfied than those who only wore it only in public (89% versus 50%) (Glaus & Carlson, 2009). In Ireland, a survey of breast cancer survivors (N = 627) concluded that women considered the breast prosthesis as important because it enhanced their shape, appearance, sense of well-being, confidence, and femininity (Gallagher, Buckmaster, O'Carroll, Kiernan, & Geraghty, 2010).…”

“…The difficulties in seeking information about breast prostheses, locating a vendor, and being fitted for a prosthesis were issues for these Canadians, just as they had been for women in other countries (Gallagher et al, 2010;Glaus & Carlson, 2009;Roberts et al, 2003) and added to the emotional distress women felt. It is disappointing to learn there is so much variation in these processes.…”

“…In the United States, Glaus and Carlson (2009) reported on a convenience sample of 59 women who wore external breast prostheses. All were satisfied.…”

Computer-Aided Methods in Bespoke Breast Prosthesis Design and Fabrication

“…The prosthesis should be comfortable to wear for long periods during the day and help to maintain good posture by counteracting the weight of the remaining breast. 5 Studies have shown that satisfaction is significantly associated with how well the prosthesis fits, the weight and movement. 6,7 Traditionally, prostheses are available commercially as 'off the shelf' in a range of sizes or are custom made, typically by maxillofacial prosthetists.…”