Women who have undergone mastectomy – It will neverbe the same : A literature overview

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in women. Treatments of breast cancer are constantly developing which leads to a high rate of surviving women. Being affected of breast cancer can result in many intense feelings and a changed body. Most of the women who get affected by breast cancer are treated with surgical treatment. One operation that is used is mastectomy, an surgical operation where one or both breasts are being removed. This may lead to several feelings, changed body image and the women have to adapt to their new body. Aim: The aim of the overview was to explore women's experiences, thoughts and emotions after a mastectomy, due to breast cancer. Method: A literature overview study based on seven qualitative and three quantitative studies. Results: In the result four themes emerged, The body betrays and is no longer complete, You are not the same person anymore, Femininity and sexuality are lost and The social limitations. Conclusion: One of the main findings shown in the result was how the mastectomy changed the women's body image. It seemed to be difficult to accept the changed body, which became a constant reminder of the disease. The women no longer recognized themselves and therefore had a hard time when it came to show themselves in front of people in the surroundings. The women also felt limitations in social situations and the body became an obstacle; they did not feel comfortable, isolated themselves and avoided everyday activities. This is important to acknowledge as a nurse and be able to give adequate support in both short term and long term