The Role of Psychoeducation in Breast Cancer Care

The Effect of Psychoeducation on Body Image and Sexual Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Mastectomy

This study aims to examine the effect of psychoeducation on body image and sexual quality of life in female patients who underwent mastectomy due to breast cancer.

Method: This randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted between October 2023 and January 2025 in the general surgery clinic of a university hospital. The sample consisted of 63 patients (31 in the psychoeducation group and 32 in the control group). Data collection was conducted using the Patient Information Form, the Breast Cancer Body Image Scale (BCBIS), and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaire. Following the pretest administered to all participants, patients in the psychoeducation group received a 6-week psychoeducation program (90 minutes per week). After the completion of the 6-week intervention, a 4-week waiting period was implemented, after which the posttest was administered to all participants. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test, t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women aged between 18 and 60 years
• Married and/or with a partner,
• Residing in the city where this study was carried out,
• İnformed about their diagnosis,
• With no physical deformities or functional impairments caused by comorbid conditions or treatments (e.g., lymphedema, hemiparesis, amputation, tracheostomy),
• Capable of communication, no cognitive impairments or diagnosed psychiatric disorders,
• Having completed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy,
• With no prior counseling or education related to body image or sexual quality of life.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Women who were not between the ages of 18 and 60,
• Not married and/or without a partner,
• Not residing in the city where the study was conducted,
• Not informed about their diagnosis,
• With physical deformities or functional impairments caused by comorbid conditions or treatments (e.g., lymphedema, hemiparesis, amputation, tracheostomy),
• Unable to communicate, with cognitive impairments or diagnosed psychiatric disorders,
• Still undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy,
• Had previously received any counseling or education related to body image or sexual quality of life.