Effects of Expectations and Body Image in Breast Reconstruction

Psychological Effect of Expectations and Body Image on Outcomes of Breast Reconstruction

A breast reconstruction after mastectomy, either due to breast cancer or a high lifetime risk for cancer, is performed to increase the patient's quality of life. However, there are studies that show that some women regret their decision to have breast reconstruction. There are also studies demonstrating similarities in the general patterns of psychosocial adjustment and quality of life among women with breast cancer who have undergone breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy alone, and mastectomy combined with breast reconstruction. Hence, it is unclear which women actually benefit from a breast reconstruction. The concept of quality of life is connected to patient satisfaction and body image/investment. Therefore, the aim of this project is to examine the effects of patient expectations and body image on the patient reported outcomes of breast reconstruction, to improve preoperative information and postoperative care for women considering a breast reconstruction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Biological women with breast cancer or high risk for breast cancer who want post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
• Age > 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inability to give informed consent
• Inability to understand Swedish
• Relaps of cancer
• Palliative treatment