Motives for the choice of not undergoing breast reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction and objective. Currently, most women with less advanced breast cancer are offered operations with breast conserving treatment; however, if it is necessary to completely remove the breast, the patients may benefit from free breast reconstruction. The aim of the study was to determine the motives for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or decisive reasons for rejecting this treatment. Material and methods. The study included 241 women hospitalized in Polish oncological hospitals who were divided into two groups: 55.19% (n=133) were women after mastectomy; 44.81% (n=108) after breast reconstruction. Quantitative approach with the use of survey method was utilised. Results. Women who wished to undergo breast reconstruction were generallyy younger, better educated and more often professionally active. For women who wished to undergo breast reconstruction, the most important aspect was the willingness to improve their body image, their mental well-being, the inconvenience connected with wearing the prosthesis, better sexual relations with husband/partner, and the possibility of exposing the neckline without discomfort. The strongest correlation was found between women's young age and their functioning in a relationship. Women after mastectomy, who decided not to undergo a breast reconstruction, were afraid of another operation, suffering, and they believed that there were more important issues. Conclusions. The study revealed a relationship between the lack of knowledge, in which hospital breast reconstruction procedure can be performed and the lack of motivation for undergoing the procedure. Women who have had knowledge of the possibility of a free breast reconstruction were younger, better educated and more often lived in the city.