Evaluation of body image after mastectomy due to breast cancer in women referred to Imam Khomeini clinic in Hamadan

Abstract

Background: Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Iran, and breast cancer is the most common cause of death in Iranian women. Cancer and cancer treatment can have a profound effect on the appearance of the patient. Aims and Objectives: The present study was conducted to examine the body image of women with mastectomy breast cancer in patients. Another purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between factors such as education, the number of pregnancies, age, and sexual satisfaction with the physical image. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 71 mastectomy women in 2016 at Imam Khomeini Clinic in Hamadan. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and lactational amenorrhea method questionnaire for examining body image. Participating subjects were selected by picking clients meeting the inclusion criteria from the list of patients referred to the clinic and based on a random number table. Results: In this study, 6.74% of mastectomy women had a moderate body image, and 4.25% had poor physical image. Education, age, and the number of pregnancies did not have a significant correlation with physical image; rather, their relationship was inverse. No significant relationship was found between body image and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: Due to the low body mass index after mastectomy, it is necessary for the planners of the treatment centers to pay more attention to the psychological field and help cancer patients with the help of experienced specialists.