Feeling like me again: a grounded theory of the role of breast reconstruction surgery in self-image

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a theoretical understanding of the role of breast reconstruction in women's self-image. Semi structured interviews were conducted with ten women from breast cancer support groups who had undergone breast reconstruction surgery. A Grounded Theory methodology was used to explore their experiences. The study generated a model of 'breast cancer, breast reconstruction and self-image', with a core category entitled 'Feeling like Me Again' and two principal categories of 'normal appearance' and 'normal life'. A further two main categories, 'Moving On' and 'Image of Sick Person' were generated. The results indicated a role of breast reconstruction in several aspects of self-image including the restoration of pre-surgery persona, which further promoted adjustment.

Attitudes and Decisional Conflict Regarding Breast Reconstruction Among Breast Cancer Patients

“…These results are consistent with qualitative literature reporting that attractiveness, femininity concerns, and feeling whole again are primary motivations for choosing BR. 19,34 For the majority of women who had partners, the partner was not a key influence on the BR decision, and BR was not viewed as a way to restore their sexual relationships or help women forget about having breast cancer. The restoration of intimacy has not been a common motivation for BR noted in the prior qualitative literature.…”

“…First, data has been collected using retrospective methods, which are colored by post-surgical outcomes. 33 Second, beneficial appearance expectations and positive psychosocial expectations including the desire to feel normal and feminine, the expectation of improved quality of life, and wanting to “move on,” are cited as common reasons for choosing BR, 17,25,34–36 and fear of complications and anxiety are cited as reasons not to choose BR. 25 However, with few exceptions, 37 research has used qualitative methods or assessed effects of BR on patient-reported outcomes after surgery, rather than a standardized assessment to evaluate reasons for choosing or not choosing BR.…”

Body Image of Women with Breast Cancer After Mastectomy: A Qualitative Research

“…In order to more fully support patients who must undergo mastectomy, reconstruction options should be discussed either before surgery or soon thereafter. Results of research on the effect of reconstruction for body image showed an increase in positive body image and satisfaction of patients (39,40).…”

Satisfaction following immediate breast reconstruction: Experiences in the early post‐operative stage

“…Despite medical benefits, qualitative research has identified how removal of the breast can lead to challenges to the integrity of the body, and a loss of femininity (Piot‐Ziegler, Sassi, Raffoul, & Delaloye, ), decreased perceived attractiveness, low self‐esteem and avoidance of social relationships (Arroyo & Lopez, ). Conversely, such work has shown how breast reconstruction can help restore the pre‐surgery persona and help promote adjustment (McKean, Newman, & Adair, ).…”