Biopsychosocial functioning of women after mastectomy

Aims. The aim of this work was to identify the problems of women after total mastectomy and partial mastectomy with regard to various factors and intensity of discomfort which affect the quality of life. Background. The loss of the attribute of femininity, maternity and sexuality, as the mammary gland is perceived by patients, is a highly traumatic experience, frequently resulting in re‐evaluation of life and functioning to date. Design and methods. The survey encompassed 494 women after operational treatment of breast cancer with varying time since the procedure. The research group consisted of women after radical mastectomy, and the control group consisted of patients after partial mastectomy. Results. The intensity of post‐traumatic stress was an important factor affecting the level of depression and anxiety. This correlation appeared to be statistically highly significant in the group of women after total mastectomy. Life satisfaction, the level of depression and anxiety in women after such an operation were dependent on the intensity of post‐traumatic stress and they caused inferior biopsychosocial functioning. Conclusions. Women after mastectomy require professional long‐term support; this need should result in the enhancement of services provided in relevant women’s support groups. Relevance to clinical practice. When evaluating holistically the life of women after mastectomy, all spheres of everyday functioning should be taken into account: physical, cognitive, emotional and social.