Abstract
Abstract
Background
For many, breast reconstruction following mastectomy (BR) forms an integral part of breast cancer survivorship. For those considering BR, provision of information is essential to allow informed decisions. Using free-text responses from a survey of breast cancer survivors, this study aims to understand current gaps in information regarding BR.
Method
At the end of an online survey assessing BR experiences, participants were asked the open-ended question: “Thinking about women who may experience BR in the future, is there anything you think needs to change so that they have a better experience?”. Responses were analysed to identify common themes.
Results
3384 people completed the survey with 2,077 (61%) responding to the open-ended question. Three themes were identified: (1) content of information, (2) managing expectations, and (3) information sources, each associated with multiple subthemes. Information wanted in theme (1) covered a range of topics including BR options, risks, recovery and ‘going flat.’ Information on BR’s psychological impact was also needed, with comments indicating many were not prepared for this. Theme (2) stressed the importance of realistic information about BR outcomes and processes to reduce discrepancies between expectations and experiences. In theme (3), peer insights and photos were important sources of realistic information.
Conclusion
Multiple gaps exist in BR-related information available to women. BR information needs to be comprehensive, realistic, and provided at the right time to allow informed decision-making. Developing strategies to strengthen existing information provision as well as new resources to fill information gaps might enhance BR experiences.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Reference47 articles.
1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Cancer in Australia Canberra, Australia: AIHW; 2021. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/. Accessed June 2021
2. Royal Australasia College of Surgeons.BreastSurg. ANZ Quality audit: Annual Report 2018. Adelaide, SA: Royal Australasia College of Surgeons; 2020. https://www.surgeons.org/-/media/Project/RACS/surgeons-org/files/morbidity-audits/BQA_Annual_Report_2018.pdf?rev=e335c65f7d7545f7b853abe5fd058f98&hash=D2902C19C26030651C56C787F76D3617. Accessed 14 Jul 2021
3. Anbiyaiee A, Abouali Galeh Dari M, Anbiyaee O et al (2020) Breast reconstruction after mastectomy in women with breast cancer: a systematic and meta-analysis review. World J Plast Surg 9(1):3–9
4. Yang X, Zhu C, Gu Y (2015) The prognosis of breast cancer patients after mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction: a meta-analysis. PLoS ONE 10(5):e0125655
5. Fang SY, Shu BC, Chang YJ (2013) The effect of breast reconstruction surgery on body image among women after mastectomy: a meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 137(1):13–21
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献