Body image problems in women with and without breast cancer 6–20 years after bilateral risk-reducing surgery – A prospective follow-up study

Abstract

PurposeTo prospectively follow-up and investigate women's perceptions of the cosmetic outcome of their implant-based breast reconstruction, body image, sexuality, anxiety/depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) 6–20 years after bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM), or complementary RRM after breast cancer diagnosis, due to increased risk of hereditary breast cancer. Patients and methodsWomen with and without previous breast cancer diagnosis that underwent RRM between March 1997 and September 2010 were invited (n = 200). We compared 146 (73%) sets of long-term questionnaire responses (e.g., EORTC QLQ-BRR26, Body Image Scale, Sexuality Activity Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF-36) with responses one year after surgery. Women with and without previous breast cancer were compared at the long-term assessment point. ResultsThe HRQoL and anxiety/depressive symptoms remained unchanged compared with one year after surgery, and there were no between-group differences. The negative impact on body image persisted in both groups for most of the items. ‘Sexual discomfort’ increased significantly for women with previous breast cancer (p = 0.016). Women with previous breast cancer also reported more problems with ‘Disease treatment/surgery related symptoms’ (p = 0.006) and ‘Sexuality’ (p = 0.031) in the EORTC QLQ-BRR26 questionnaire. ConclusionProblems with body image appeared to persist long time post-RRM. No differences in HRQoL were found at the long-term follow-up between women with and without previous breast cancer. The results of this investigation might be of use in improving future counselling before risk-reducing surgery for women in the decision-making process.