Psychosocial and sexual well‐being in breast cancer survivors undergoing immediate breast reconstruction: The mediating role of breast satisfaction

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore (1) the levels of quality of life (psychosocial, physical and sexual well-being) and breast satisfaction in breast cancer patients (BCP) after immediate reconstruction (IR), considering surgery reason and surgical technique, and (2) the explanatory and predictive capacity of psychosocial well-being on breast satisfaction, and of both on sexual well-being.Methods: This prospective study included 36 BCP who underwent IR between June 2006 and December 2014.Results: Highest levels of quality of life were found in psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being, with no statistically significant differences by surgery reason or surgical technique in any quality of life indicator or breast satisfaction. Psychosocial, physical well-being and breast satisfaction explained 56.16% of the variance in sexual well-being, where 44.67% was attributed to psychosocial well-being. In addition, breast satisfaction statistically significantly mediated the relationship between psychosocial and sexual well-being, independently of physical well-being. Conclusion:Our findings highlight the importance of IR in reducing psychological morbidity and preserving the quality of life and breast satisfaction. Furthermore, this research indicated that psychosocial well-being should be considered a useful personal resource for improving the sexual well-being of BCP undergoing IR both through its direct effect and the mediated effect of breast satisfaction.

The Effect of Self-compassion, Spousal Support and Selected Factors on Psychological Well-being in Women With Breast Cancer

“…34 Gil-Olarte et al also reported that positive body image after reconstruction produced a signi cant, favorable effect on psychological well-being. 35 The evidence form the current study suggests that reconstruction improves body image and promotes psychological well-being in patients with breast cancer.…”

“I didn’t choose to have my breast removed”: Brazilian lesbian/bisexual women’s journey through breast cancer

“…Malu did her reconstruction immediately after the mastectomy and she is satisfied with the result. The reconstruction surgery can often give women back their self-esteem, the feeling of being complete again and their self-image, in addition to helping to overcome the consequences of the disease (Inocenti et al, 2016;Márquez, Gil-Olarte, Molinero, & Bozal, 2022). However, it is important to remember that the way a woman sees her body before and after the changes caused by cancer can influence the way she sees herself after surgery.…”

Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery

“…Furthermore, there are documented psychological benefits from IBR ( 73 – 76 ) and patients awake from anaesthesia with two breasts, albeit one being a facsimile of a breast (i.e a breast mound). By contrast, patients must endure being flat-chested on one or both sides for a period of time whilst awaiting DBR.…”

“…Breast reconstruction can be performed at the time of mastectomy (immediate breast reconstruction [IBR]) or at any time after mastectomy (delayed breast reconstruction [DBR]). In recent years, IBR has gained wider acceptance with improved cosmetic results and reassuring evidence that reconstruction does not mask detection of recurrent disease (68)(69)(70)(71)(72).…”