Mastectomized Women Research Articles

Depressive symptomatology correlates with phantom breast syndrome in mastectomized women

Phantom breast syndrome (PBS) after mastectomy has been hypothesized to represent a complex psychological reaction to mastectomy, but psychological studies concerning PBS are few and inconclusive. This study aimed to assess possible correlations of PBS to current psychopathology and personality dimensions, as well as to examine subjectively experienced provoking and relieving factors for the experience of PBS. A total of 105 women who had undergone modified radical mastectomy were interviewed by a structured questionnaire after breast surgery. Moreover, they completed a set of self-administered psychometric scales consisting of Symptom Checklist-90-R, Eysenck personality questionnaire, Zung depression scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Whiteley Index of hypochondriasis. PBS was experienced by 24 women (22.9%). The majority of them thought that PBS did not interfere with their everyday life. Women with PBS scored significantly higher on the Zung depression scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that women aged more than 66 years were 82% less likely to have PBS compared to those aged less than 51 years. These findings provide evidence that PBS is associated with higher scores of depressive symptomatology and younger age. The nature of such an association remains unclear and calls for further investigation.

Breast cancer, poverty and mental health: emotional response to the disease in women from popular classes

This study aimed to analyze the emotional response of a low-income group of women to the breast cancer. The sample was composed by 15 patients from a mastectomized women's support entity. Data were collected through individual face-to-face semi-structured interview. The results were appraised according to a classification system that postulates the existence of four categories mutually excluding: denial, stoicism, affliction and confrontation. The results obtained indicate that stoicism was the more frequent emotional response in the evaluated group. The scientific literature shows that stoicism can contribute to the temporary reduction of stress, but it gradually leads to a uselessness feeling which tends to make difficult the psychosocial adjustment to the disease and its treatment.

Effects of a TaiChi Program for Early Mastectomy Patients

【Purpose: There is a need to apply the Tai Chi program to help early mastectomy patients improve their upper limb functions and for the emotional state as well. Method: Participants were recruited at breast cancer centers of two general hospitals from February 17 to April 25, 2005. Twenty-five subjects in the experimental group and 23 subjects in the control group participated for 12 weeks. The Tai chi program consisted of breast cancer self management education and a Tai Chi exercise program. Range of motion of the shoulder joint was determined by the Uni-level inclinometer, and functional assessment of the shoulder was evaluated with the tool. Data was analyzed by SPSS 11. Results: The experimental group had significantly increased shoulder range of motion, especially in external rotation, upper limb function and emotional state compared with the control group after program for 12 weeks. Conclusion: This program makes it possible to be independent and have a positive everyday life. In addition, it can help keep a healthy lifestyle in mastectomy women.】

Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines in Elective Flap Surgery

Surgical trauma releases inflammatory mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this prospective, controlled, randomized trial we investigated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and monocyte/macrophage activation in patients scheduled for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Patients were allocated to one of three surgical procedures, differing in complexity and in the need for implants used for reconstruction. Thirty mastectomized women underwent delayed breast reconstruction with the lateral thoracodorsal flap (LTD), the latissimus dorsi flap (LD), or the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis muscle flap (TRAM). Blood samples for TNF, IL-6, IL-8, neopterin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and leukocyte determination were drawn pre-operatively, 24 h, and 2 weeks post-operatively. All groups had significantly elevated IL-6 levels 24 h after surgery. The levels were significantly higher in the TRAM group compared to the LTD and LD groups. IL-8 levels were increased in all groups 2 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05), the LTD (83 pg/mL) and LD (84 pg/mL) group having higher mean IL-8 levels than the TRAM patients (48 pg/mL) (ns). TNF and leukocyte counts were within the normal range. CRP levels were elevated in all groups one day after surgery (P < 0.05). Flap procedures for breast reconstruction stimulate the pro-inflammatory response. IL-6 levels were highest in patients with TRAM operations, being the most extensive procedure studied, whereas the highest IL-8 levels were seen in women with a saline filled silicone implant suggesting immunomodulation by foreign material. Although all three investigated procedures are major operations in the field of plastic surgery, according to the inflammatory response to trauma they should be regarded as minor procedures.

The Effects of Dynamic Imagery Therapy(DIT) on “Anger-Expression” in Patients with Mastectomy women

The Effects of Dynamic Imagery Therapy(DIT) on “Anger-Expression” in Patients with Mastectomy women

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Using a Flex-band on Physical Functions &amp; Body Image in Women Undergoing Radiation Therapy after a Mastectomy

This study examined the effects of aerobic exercise using a flex band on the improvement of physical functions & body image in breast cancer women undergoing radiation therapy after a mastectomy. Women with breast cancer(n = 26) were assigned to an experimental group(EG, n = 15) and control group(CG, n = 11). The E.G. participated in an aerobic exercise program with a 60% to 80% intensity of maximal heart rate for 25 minutes during the main exercise, 3 times per week, for 6 weeks. The EG did not exercise regularly for 3 months before participating in this program. The CG received no exercise treatment during the research period. Data were analyzed using the chi(2)-test and Mann-Whitney U test by the SPSS version 11.0 program at a 5% significant level. Group analysis revealed that the EGwomen had significantly more improved cardiopulmonary functions, ROM of the affected shoulder joint, and body image compared to the CG. Aerobic exercise using a flex band may be an effective rehabilitative measure for mastectomy women with respect to cardio-pulmonary functions, ROM, & body image. Further studies are recommended to study early rehabilitation programs within 10 days post-operatively.

Anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients at start of adjuvant radiotherapy. Relations to age and type of surgery.

Using a self-report questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, feelings of anxiety and depression were assessed in 133 breast cancer patients referred for adjuvant radiotherapy following surgical treatment. Eighteen patients (14%) had scores indicating morbid anxiety. Significant depression was recorded for only 2 patients (1.5%). Severe anxiety was recorded for 10 out of 54 mastectomized patients (19%) and for 8 out of 79 patients treated with breast conserving surgery (10%). The difference was not significant (p = 0.13). In a subgroup aged 50-59 years, morbid anxiety was significantly more common among mastectomized patients than among patients operated conservatively, 4 out of 9 (44%) vs. 1 out of 23 (4%) (p = 0.01). Such a pattern was not discernable in the patients < 50 years of age or those > or = 60 years old. The results suggest that, at start of adjuvant radiotherapy, emotional distress is characterized by anxiety rather than depression and the risk of morbid anxiety is especially large for mastectomized women in their fifties.

Psychologic effects and esthetic results of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

A survey was conducted on 84 patients who chose to have breast reconstruction after mastectomy. A self-rating questionnaire was sent to each patient by mail to collect as much information about the patient as possible: individual status, reasons for requesting breast reconstruction, acceptance and advantages of having the new breast, satisfaction with the overall esthetic results, amount of patient information regarding breast reconstruction, and the source of this information. Once the questionnaire was completely filled out, it was returned by mail to the persons conducting this study. Fourty-three patients (51% of sample) replied with a completed questionnaire. When all the data for this survey were collected, an interesting factor emerged: 33 patients (76.7% of those who replied) reported being substantially satisfied with the esthetic results of their operation. When asked about the reasons for requesting breast reconstruction, 16 patients asserted their request was based on the desire to prove to themselves that they had overcome the disease, and 16 to improve body image. When asked about the advantages of breast reconstruction, 17 patients believed the operation would help improve inner feelings about the loss of the breast. Thus breast reconstruction is indeed an element of prime importance to mastectomized women, especially for their physical and psychological rehabilitation.