Awareness and factors influencing breast reconstruction in the Gaza Strip: a cross-sectional study

Background Women are usually given two options after a mastectomy. They can either wear a prosthesis or have a breast reconstruction. Unfortunately, many women in the Gaza Strip are unaware of these options. The aim of this study was to shed light on the awareness and sociocultural factors in women who underwent mastectomy before choosing between options. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we recruited patients who underwent mastectomy in the Gaza Strip. All participants completed a face-to-face questionnaire between Aug 1, 2015, and April 30, 2016. Verbal consent was obtained from all participants. Findings 173 women with a mean age 51 years (SD 10) were enrolled in this study. 90 (52%) women had low income, and 36 (21%) women had a first-degree relative with breast cancer. 133 (77%) women underwent radical mastectomy, and 29 (17%) women had breast-conserving surgery. 96 (55