Year: 2020
Type: dissertation
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Background: Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women.Every year approximately 3568 new cases in Norway are detected every year.Surgery is the main treatment, and mastectomy is performed if the tumor is larger than 4 cm.This operation includes removing the entire breast.When removing such a big part of a woman's femininity, her body image can be affected.Aim: To elucidate women's experiences of body image after mastectomy due to breast cancer and understanding the importance of a nurse's support during hospitalization.Method: This is a systematic literature study, based on four qualitative and one quantitative research article.Results: Mastectomy has an impact on women´s femininity, confidence level and identity.Most women felt that their body image was affected in a negatively way.This resulted in insecurity about their appearance.Many also faced challenges in their relationships, where intimacy had been particularly challenging.Reconstruction helped many women restore their weakened body image, but this wasn't a resolution for everybody.Women included in this study showed appreciation for the supportive roles the nurses played, but many lacked information on bodily side effects.Conclusion: After mastectomy most women felt that their new body in some way was scarred or damage, therefore they had to redefine themselves as a woman.For others, being alive was more important than looking good, and therefore experienced the body image after mastectomy in a better way.As a nurse you are in the situation where you professionally come close to other people.For women surviving breast cancer the humane aspect of nursing can be specifically important.Nurses' supporting role proved to be crucial in how women managed to cope with problems related to altered body image.
Author: Skarshaug, Kristina
Language: Norwegian
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7008329944