Assessment of life quality of women after mastectomy with consideration to physiotherapy process

Abstract

Purpose of this study. Evaluation of the patient’s life quality after operational treatment of the breast cancer – mastectomy, and determination of any correlation between made rehabilitation and participation in a support group. Material and methods. The research was conducted using a questionnaire that included open and closed questions, it had 25 questions concerning patient’s condition before and after operation. Results. Most women use physiotherapy (88%) and support offered by Amazon Clubs (88%). The most popular form of rehabilitation appeared to be kinesiotherapy (94%) and massage (70%). It was observed that the upper limb at operated side had reduced efficiency, after operation as good it was assumed only by 16% of total. Most women stated that their emotional condition had not changed after operation (32%) or slightly worsen (24%). None of the women declared lack of acceptance for their condition after amputation. As many as 48% did not seen any influence of the mastectomy on the quality of life, and for 36% the change was negative. Conclusions. It may not be clearly stated if bigger influence on the self assessment of the quality of life has directly only physiotherapy or the Amazon Club that builds so important psychosocial relations, it proves complexity of the rehabilitation treatment. It is required to combine oncologic treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures and activity of social organizations, as all these aspects have beneficial influence on the women’s self-esteem after mastectomy.