A comparative study of women who have had mastectomies and reconstructive surgery with women who have had mastectomies without reconstructive surgery relative to body image and sexuality

Eleanor Mae Howell, Purdue University

Abstract

This study compared mastectomees who have had reconstructive surgery with those who have not had reconstructive surgery for body image and sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning. It also was an attempt to examine the reasons entering into the mastectomee's decision for or against reconstructive surgery. Forty two mastectomees (14 with reconstruction, 28 without reconstruction) completed a questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics, body image, sexuality, and factors influential in the choice of reconstruction. No significant difference was found between the two groups for body image, but a significant difference was found in sexuality. An analysis of covariance showed that other demographic data, such as age, economic status, and marital status, did not influence the sexuality score. The top ranked reasons for having reconstruction surgery were: to feel whole again, to be less preoccupied with the physical state, to get rid of the external prosthesis, and to feel more feminine. The top ranked reasons for choosing not to have reconstruction were: I do not want to have any more surgery, the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits, worry that reconstruction might mask a recurrence of cancer, and the results are not worth the trouble. Through maximum likelihood analysis, sexuality, chemotherapy, and age were found to have a predictive effect on the choice of reconstruction. Younger mastectomees, mastectomees with greater sexual functioning and satisfaction, and mastectomees who were less subject to chemotherapy were more likely to choose reconstructive surgery.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Kelly, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Academic guidance counseling|Womens studies|Surgery|Mental health

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