Awareness and Acceptability of Breast Reconstruction Among Women With Breast Cancer: A Prospective Survey

Abstract

PURPOSE Quality of life has become an integral aspect of the management of breast cancer. Many women still need to undergo a modified radical mastectomy (MRM). Factors affecting the choice a woman makes to undergo breast reconstruction (BR) are unclear and are hypothesized to be influenced by socioeconomic factors. We conducted a survey to evaluate the awareness and acceptability of BR among women with breast cancer at our institution. METHODS A novel questionnaire was designed and served to 3 groups of women: planned for MRM, follow up (FU) post-MRM, and FU post breast-conserving surgery. RESULTS Responses were analyzed from 492 women. Of these, 280 (56.91%) were planned for MRM and 212 (43.08%) women were on FU. Almost 45% women were older than 50 years of age, and literacy rate was 87.6%. More than 70% were homemakers and 15 women (3%) were unmarried. The aspects evaluating awareness of BR suggested that 251 (51.01%) women had knowledge about BR. Major source of information was the surgeon (45.81%) and media (32.87%). About 80% women on FU post-MRM did not want reconstruction, and 55% did not opt for BR as they had coped with the mastectomy and did not feel the need for BR. Only 6% cited family or financial reasons and 10% cited recurrence concerns. Among women planned for surgery, 65.71% had not considered BR. When questioned, 25 (12.88%) felt influenced by cost, 102 (52.58%) felt they did not need it, and 20 (10.31%) were worried it would affect treatment. CONCLUSION Our study shows high awareness regarding BR, but only 27.89% women opt for BR independent of economic issues. We recommend all patients should be counseled about the reconstructive options when their MRM is planned.

The impact of breast‐conserving surgery and modified radical mastectomy on postoperative wound complications in patients with early breast cancer

“…The intraoperative tumour clearance rate is high, and the patients have less intraoperative bleeding and smaller incisions, indicating higher surgical safety. It has more advantages in the treatment of breast cancer compared to MRM group 25 . The results of this study showed that the overall incidence of complications such as upper limb oedema, subcutaneous haematoma and incision infection in patients treated with BCS group was 93.48% (43/46), significantly lower than the rate of 50% (21/42) in patients treated with MRM group and the difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.001).…”

Rates of breast reconstruction uptake and attitudes toward breast cancer and survivorship among south asians: A literature review

“…Western countries, BCS rates are 60%−70%. 33 Rates of breast reconstruction following mastectomy varied between 0% 23 and 14.1%., 18 with rates highest in India (14.1%) 18 than other South…”

“…Breast reconstruction rates were calculated as the total number of patients who opted for breast reconstruction divided by the total number of patients in the sample. 5,7,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Qualitative data on attitudes of patients was obtained from review of data tables or figures from included papers or extracted directly from the text of the article (often including direct patient quotes). Some studies organized their article by themes the authors felt illustrated South Asian attitudes, and these sections were reviewed to note thematic trends that define the experience of South Asian patients toward breast reconstruction, breast cancer, and breast cancer survivorship.…”

The International Awareness of Breast Reconstruction

“…Combining mastectomy with plastic surgery for reconstruction, aimed at restoring volume, shape, and contour, can help mitigate the psychological impact and enhance women's self-esteem. [2][3][4] Breast reconstruction yields several benefits, including the restoration of femininity, bodily integrity, and rehabilitation from postoperative complications, ultimately improving physical, emotional, and social well-being. 5 Several factors influence the acceptance of breast reconstruction among breast cancer patients.…”