Psychosocial adjustment after mastectomy and breast-conserving treatment

Factors that Affect Patients' Decision-Making about Mastectomy or Breast Conserving Surgery, and the Psychological Effect of this Choice on Breast Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Primary treatment is surgery, with breast conserving surgery (BCS) being widely used for early-stage disease. Due to changes in body image, depressive symptoms can occur after surgery. Here, we evaluate factors that affect patients' decision on surgery, and investigate differences in the level of depression after mastectomy or BCS in a population of Turkish patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred breast cancer patients who had undergone mastectomy or BCS and were followed up at our institution between 2007 and 2008 were included. Patients were questioned about their involvement in surgical decision-making. Depression was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) criteria via a Structural Clinical Interview for DSM (SCID). Severity of depression was evaluated by using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: Patients who were older than 50 years, had more than 1 child, a history of lactation, and a positive family history of breast cancer mostly preferred mastectomy. However, patients who sought a second opinion and further information on BCS preferred BCS (p < 0.005). There was no statistical correlation between marital status, first childbearing age, and educational status and the decision on surgery type (p > 0.005). Mastectomy patients were prone to depression, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.099). CONCLUSION: Age, parenthood, lactation, and positive familial history, as well as thorough information about the type of surgery were important factors for the patients' decision. After breast cancer surgery, patients might experience depression affecting treatment and quality of life. Therefore, adequate information and communication are essential.

Second operation is not related to psychological outcome in breast cancer patients

To examine the effect of multiple surgical treatments on psychological outcomes in women with early stage breast cancer (BC) in a prospective follow-up study. Questionnaires for depressive symptoms (CES-D), fatigue (FAS), anxiety (STAI-State), physical health (WHOQOL-100), psychological health (WHOQOL-100) and overall quality of life and general health (WHOQOL-100) were completed before diagnosis (Time-1) and 1 (Time-2), 3 (Time-3), 6 (Time-4) and 12 (Time-5) months after the last surgical treatment. From the 217 participating women with early stage BC, 78 (35.9%) needed an additional surgical treatment. Using general linear model (repeated measures), psychosocial outcomes over time were investigated for the breast conserving therapy and mastectomy group, accounting for type of surgery, disease stage and hormonal therapy. Psychological outcomes did not significantly change over time, with the exception of anxiety [Wilks' Lambda = 0.72, F (4,86) = 8.55, p < 0.0001, partial eta squared = 0.29]. On average, women with 1 and women with 2 surgical treatments did not differ on any outcome measure. No interaction effects were found, indicating that changes in outcomes over time were the same for both groups. Women who had a repeat surgical treatment did not score differently on psychological outcome measures compared with women who were treated "efficiently."

Body image and sexual problems in young women with breast cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of body image and sexual problems in the first months after treatment among women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger.

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer treatment may have severe effects on the bodies of younger women. Surgical treatment may be disfiguring, chemotherapy may cause abrupt menopause, and hormone replacement is not recommended.

METHODS

A multi-ethnic population-based sample of 549 women aged 22-50 who were married or in a stable unmarried relationship were interviewed within seven months of diagnosis with in situ, local, or regional breast cancer.

RESULTS

Body image and sexual problems were experienced by a substantial proportion of women in the early months after diagnosis. Half of the 546 women experienced two or more body image problems some of the time (33%), or at least one problem much of the time (17%). Among sexually active women, greater body image problems were associated with mastectomy and possible reconstruction, hair loss from chemotherapy, concern with weight gain or loss, poorer mental health, lower self-esteem, and partner's difficulty understanding one's feelings. Among the 360 sexually active women, half (52%) reported having a little problem in two or more areas of sexual functioning (24%), or a definite or serious problem in at least one area (28%). Greater sexual problems were associated with vaginal dryness, poorer mental health, being married, partner's difficulty understanding one's feelings, and more body image problems, and there were significant ethnic differences in reported severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Difficulties related to sexuality and sexual functioning were common and occurred soon after surgical and adjuvant treatment. Addressing these problems is essential to improve the quality of life of young women with breast cancer.

Psychosocial effect of mastectomy versus conservative surgery in patients with early breast cancer

PURPOSE

To compare the quality-of-life (QoL) and psychosocial changes in a group of patients with early breast cancer who underwent conservative surgery (BCS) or modified radical mastectomy(MRM).

METHODS

Self-administered questionnaire assessing body image perception, social habits, sexual attraction and self-consciousness with relatives/friends, was randomly assigned to 125 patients (61 BCS, 64 MRM; aged 53 +/- 8 and 50 + 9 years, respectively, p = NS).

RESULTS

MRM patients reported a significantly higher frequency of changes in body image perception and other related social behaviour such as avoiding going to the beach or using low-cut clothes, and reticence with friends. Conversely, no differences were found regarding sexuality, denial of the disease by the husband/partner, or concealing the disease from family members. Also, no significant differences were found between patients above and below the age of 50 years, for all variables studied after adjustment for surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Modified radical mastectomy has a negative effect on body image perception and in social behaviour patterns of patients and with a concomitant decrease in QoL. The sexuality of the patient is not significantly affected.

Reconstructions mammaires après mastectomie pour cancer du sein : quelles indications retenir ?

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction represents a surgical option that may improve psychosocial outcome without modifying patients' survival. Psychosocial impact of used surgical technique and moment of realization of breast reconstruction remains unclear. However, complications are negatively related to patients' satisfaction. There is no guideline for BR indications. Therefore, a review of clinical and cosmetic outcomes of different breast reconstruction modalities was necessary. It permitted to propose a shared decision-making algorithm for the choice of moment and technique of BR according to the presence of radiotherapy that appears to be the main risk factor of clinical outcome of breast reconstruction. It also disclosed some limits in information reliability about clinical outcome of particular associations of breast reconstruction and radiotherapy. Proportion of women pursuing breast reconstruction, and particularly immediate breast reconstruction, is rising. Clinical surveys assessing relation between radiotherapy and clinical and psychosocial outcome of breast reconstruction are urgently expected.

Early stage breast cancer: costs and quality of life one year after treatment by mastectomy or conservative surgery and radiation therapy

This paper reports a descriptive study of the costs and quality of life (QoL) outcome of treatments for early stage breast cancer in a cohort of Australian women, one year after initial surgical treatment. Mastectomy without breast reconstruction is compared to breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy (breast conservation). Of the 397 women eligible for the study, costing data were collected for 81% and quality of life data for 73%. The cost differences between treatment groups were mainly accounted for by adjuvant therapies, the more expensive being radiotherapy. When compared to women treated by mastectomy, those treated by breast conservation reported better body image but worse physical function. The negative impact of breast cancer and its treatment was greater for younger women, across a number of dimensions of quality of life (regardless of treatment type). While this study shows that breast conservation is more expensive than mastectomy, the QoL results reinforce the importance of patient participation in treatment decisions.

Treatment regimen, sexual attractiveness concerns and psychological adjustment among African American breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Among a sample of African American women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, we assessed the consequences of different treatment regimens on sexual attractiveness concerns, and the impact of sexual attractiveness concerns on current and subsequent psychological adjustment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The sample included 91 African American women with breast cancer; 90% had Stage I or II disease, 48% had chemotherapy, 47% had a lumpectomy, and 53% received a mastectomy. Feelings of sexual attractiveness and psychological adjustment were assessed an average of 3 months following surgery and again 4 months post-baseline.

RESULTS

Regression analyses revealed that chemotherapy was associated with greater concerns about sexual attractiveness among lumpectomy patients (p<0.05), but not among mastectomy patients (p>0.20). The interaction also suggested that chemotherapy equalized the impact of types of surgery, as there was no difference on sexual attractiveness between surgery groups among women who had received chemotherapy (p>0.20). However, among women who had not received chemotherapy, mastectomy patients reported greater sexual attractiveness concerns (p<0.01). Finally, regression analyses revealed that feelings of sexual attractiveness were an important component of psychological well-being, both cross-sectionally (p<0.001) and longitudinally (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Assessment of the combined impact of different treatment regimens on feelings of sexual attractiveness is particularly important given the current consensus that all breast cancer patients should receive chemotherapy, regardless of nodal status. Further, concerns about sexual attractiveness should be considered for inclusion as one component of psychosocial support programs for African American women with breast cancer, as our results suggested that they played a significant role in psychological adjustment.

Factors predicting the use of breast-conserving therapy in stage I and II breast carcinoma

PURPOSE

To define patterns of care for the local therapy of stage I and II breast cancer and to identify factors used to select patients for breast-conserving therapy (BCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A convenience sample of 16,643 patients with stage I and II breast cancer treated in 1994 was obtained from hospital-based tumor registries. Histologic variables were determined from original pathology reports.

RESULTS

BCT was performed in 42.6% of patients. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that living in the Northeast United States (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.16 to 2.84), having a clinical T1 tumor (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 2.27 to 2.78), and having a tumor without an extensive intraductal component (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.81 to 2.37) were the strongest predictors of breast-conserving surgery. Radiation therapy was given to 86% of patients who had breast-conserving surgery. Age less than 70 years was the most significant predictor of receiving radiation (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.77 to 2.25). Tumor variables did not correlate with the use of radiation, but favorable tumor characteristics were associated with the use of breast-conserving surgery.

CONCLUSION

Despite strong evidence supporting the use of BCT, the majority of women continue to be treated with mastectomy. Predictors of the use of BCT do not correspond to those suggested in guidelines.

Body image, decision making, and breast cancer treatment

This study was performed to describe women's satisfaction with body image before and 8 weeks after the surgical treatment of breast cancer compared with women without breast cancer. Additional aims were to describe women's perceived participation in decisions regarding choice of surgical procedure to treat their breast cancer, and postoperative satisfaction with their breast cancer treatment, as well as to explore factors influencing women's decisions regarding choice of surgical procedure. The design was prospective with a descriptive, comparative design. The convenience sample included 31 women with breast cancer from an urban breast health center, and 30 women without breast cancer from the community. The majority were college educated, white, ranging in age from 29-82 years. Women with breast cancer completed instruments before and 8 weeks after surgery. Women without breast cancer completed the instruments two times 8 weeks apart. Three instruments measuring body image satisfaction were used. Participation in treatment decision-making, having a treatment choice, and posttreatment satisfaction, along with a description of important factors in decision making, were measured with open and closed-ended questions. During the study period, women with breast cancer experienced a significant decrease in satisfaction with body image after surgery (p < .004). Satisfaction with body image remained constant in the women without breast cancer. Most (94%) of the women with breast cancer reported participating in treatment decisions about the type of surgical procedure used to treat their breast cancer, had a treatment choice (77%), and were moderately to very satisfied with the outcome of their surgeries (94%). Qualitative data results suggest that women's treatment decisions were based on their perceptions of "survival," that is, which type of surgery offered the best chance for long-term survival. These data suggest that satisfaction with body image is disturbed by surgery for breast cancer despite active participation in decisions regarding selection of treatment or postoperative satisfaction with type of surgical treatment received. These outcomes suggest that women need assistance in adjusting to alterations in body image from nurses and the need for research to describe effective interventions. Future studies of body image and breast cancer treatment should be conducted with larger samples, and at different points after surgery to determine the effects of mastectomy and breast-conserving surgery on the body image of breast cancer survivors over time.

Anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients at low risk of recurrence compared with the general population: a valid comparison?

Breast cancer and its treatment have been associated with psychological morbidity. In this study our aim was to quantify the excess anxiety and depression resulting from breast cancer. We compared 538 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients at low risk of recurrence (87.0% responded) to 872 women randomly selected from the Danish general population (69.7% responded) using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Contrary to expectations, the proportions classified as "cases" of anxiety and depression were not significantly different in the two groups. The breast cancer patients' mean HADS scores were significantly lower than those in the general population sample (anxiety, P = 0.021; depression, P < 0.001), indicating less anxiety and depression. However, we question the validity of this comparison. The HADS may not be suitable for use in the general population and there may be methodological problems in comparisons of groups whose life situations are very different.

Mastectomy or lumpectomy? Helping women make informed choices

PURPOSE

To develop an instrument to help clinicians inform their patients about surgical treatment options for the treatment of breast cancer and to evaluate the impact of the instrument on the clinical encounter.

METHODS

We developed an instrument, called the Decision Board, to present information regarding the benefits and risks of breast-conserving therapy (lumpectomy plus radiation therapy) and mastectomy to women with early-stage breast cancer to enable them to express a preference for the type of surgery. Seven surgeons from different communities in Ontario administered the instrument to women with newly diagnosed clinical stage I or II breast cancer over an 18-month period. Patients and surgeons were interviewed regarding acceptability of the instrument. The rates of breast-conserving surgery performed by surgeons before and after the introduction of the instrument were compared.

RESULTS

The Decision Board was administered to 175 patients; 98% reported that the Decision Board was easy to understand, and 81% indicated that it helped them make a decision. The average score on a true/false test of comprehension was 11.8 of 14 (84%) (range, 6 to 14). Surgeons found the Decision Board to be helpful in presenting information to patients in 91% of consultations. The rate of breast-conserving surgery decreased when the Decision Board was introduced (88% v 73%, P =.001)

CONCLUSION

The Decision Board is a simple method to improve communication and facilitate shared decision making. It was well accepted by patients and surgeons and easily applied in the community.

Type of mastectomy and quality of life for long term breast carcinoma survivors

BACKGROUND

Despite numerous studies of partial mastectomy and psychologic morbidity in the first 24 months following surgery, little is known about the long term psychosocial repercussions of partial and total mastectomy.

METHODS

The effect of the type of mastectomy on psychologic adjustment was assessed among 124 breast carcinoma survivors, 47 of whom underwent partial mastectomy and 77 of whom underwent total mastectomy, 8 years after initial treatment. Interviews were also conducted 3 and 18 months after surgery. Psychologic distress was assessed using the Psychiatric Symptom Index. Other outcomes included physical symptoms, patients' perceptions of their own health, satisfaction with the type of surgery performed and with the appearance of the scar, and marital and sexual adjustments.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences between partial and total mastectomy were observed with respect to long term quality of life. Age at diagnosis modified the relation between the type of mastectomy and psychologic distress in both the short term and the long term (P = 0.04). Among women younger than 50 years, partial mastectomy appeared to be protective against distress when compared with total mastectomy. In contrast, among women age 50 years or older, partial mastectomy was associated with higher psychologic distress levels at all interviews.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessed globally, partial and total mastectomy appear to be equivalent treatments in terms of patients' long term quality of life. However, both short term and long term distress levels after partial and total mastectomy may depend on patients' age at diagnosis. The findings of this study suggest that the increased use of partial mastectomy may lessen the negative effects of breast carcinoma on younger survivors' quality of life. Nevertheless, total mastectomy may be an appropriate initial treatment for some women who truly choose it.

Self-perceptions of women after early breast cancer surgery

AIMS

To discover satisfaction with treatment decision and the late influences of surgery for early breast cancer on the lives and self-perceptions of women.

METHODS

A two-part mail survey was returned by 90 women aged 2.8-7.6 years after breast-conserving treatment (BCT) and by 56 women aged 3.0-8.0 years after modified radical mastectomy (MRM).

RESULTS

Approximately one-third of all patients felt the information and time before the treatment decision was inadequate. Most women in both treatment groups had participated in treatment decision-making. When the surgeon alone had made the choice it did not affect satisfaction with the treatment result. Few patients regretted the treatment modality chosen. The majority of patients felt no discomfort in their treated breast, but a quarter of all the women suffered from rib pain. Fifteen of 52 sexually active women reported of reduced breast pleasure sensation in their resected breast. The women in both treatment groups were asked to score a summary satisfaction index (SSI) on a scale of 0-10 for seven different areas of life: cosmesis, function, work, home, recreation/sports, social life and sexuality. SSI was used as a measure of quality of life. There was a difference in all these categories between BCT and MRM groups, the former giving significantly higher values. Post-menopausal women tended to be more-satisfied than younger women and women over 70 years showed no difference in satisfaction between the two treatment modalities. Treatment of early breast cancer caused little morbidity in the long run. After MRM slightly more local symptoms were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Most women treated with breast-conserving surgery esteemed their life normal or close to normal, giving us a reason to favour BCT when suitable. For women over 70 years old mastectomy remains a viable alternative.

Lumpectomy or mastectomy? Is breast conserving surgery too expensive?

In the last decade, breast cancer patients have enjoyed an increase in breast conserving surgery (BCS). At present, modified radical mastectomy (MRM) and BCS offers equal expectations of survival. During the last few years, however, a drop in the frequency of BCS has been reported by several authors. Is this new trend due to economic concerns? To clarify the costs of breast cancer therapy (stage I and II), we review the literature and include a cost-utility and a cost-minimisation analysis comparing MRM and BCS. The treatment cost (per patient) of BCS and MRM in Norway was calculated at $9,564 and $5,596, respectively. Employing a quality of life gain in BCS of 0.03 (0-1 scale) and a 5% discount rate, the cost per QALY in BCS compared to MRM was $20,508. In cost-minimising analysis, BCS and mastectomy followed by reconstructive surgery had a cost of $10,748 and $8,538, respectively. This indicates that BCS remains within reasonable cost and should not be displaced by mastectomy on economic grounds.

Psychosocial profile of women seeking breast reconstruction

As opposed to studies focused on the role of reconstruction in the rehabilitation of cancer patients, the aim of this study is to define what kind of women undergo post-mastectomy reconstruction. The social, cultural and psychological variables influencing women in this choice were assessed using a questionnaire administered to 45 women who had breast reconstruction and 51 who did not. An univariate analysis shows significant differences between the two groups regarding age, education, socioeconomic status, leisure activities, sexual intercourse, information about breast reconstruction and fear of recurrence. These results show that social status is a deciding factor in a woman's access to information about reconstruction. If every women undergoing mastectomy is to be given the opportunity of plastic surgery, we think that information must be adapted to psychosocial profile.

Local Management of Primary Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: Various options are available for the local control of cancer in the breast -- mastectomy, conservation therapy, and mastectomy with reconstruction. METHODS: To evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of the available management options, the authors combine their extensive experience with a review of the literature on outcomes from these approaches. RESULTS: Conservation therapy provides survival outcomes similar to those from mastectomy. Differences in local recurrence rates can be minimized by close adherence to guidelines for patient selection, operative approach, and radiation technique. CONCLUSIONS: The role of the physician in selecting a local therapy for breast cancer has changed from one of informing the patient of the treatment to assessing the presence of medical contraindications to any of the treatments, educating the patients on each treatment approach, providing access to multidisciplinary consultation, and allowing the patient to choose an appropriate treatment approach.

Amitriptyline effectively relieves neuropathic pain following treatment of breast cancer

The effectiveness of amitriptyline in relieving neuropathic pain following treatment of breast cancer was studied in 15 patients in a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. The dose was escalated from 25 mg to 100 mg per day in 4 weeks. The placebo and amitriptyline phases were separated by a 2-week wash-out period. Visual analogue and verbal rating scales were used for the assessment of pain intensity and pain relief. Other measures included the number of daily activities disturbed by the pain, the Finnish McGill Pain Questionnaire, adverse effects, anxiety, depression, pressure threshold and grip strength. Amitriptyline significantly relieved neuropathic pain both in the arm and around the breast scar. Eight out of 15 patients had a more than 50% decrease in the pain intensity ('good responders') with a median dose of 50 mg of amitriptyline. The 7 patients who had a less than 50% effect had drug concentrations equaling those of the good responders. The 'poor responders' reported significantly more adverse effects with amitriptyline and placebo than the good responders. It is concluded that amitriptyline effectively reduced neuropathic pain following treatment of breast cancer. However, the adverse effects of amitriptyline put most of the patients off from using the drug regularly.

Measurement and practical aspects of quality of life in breast cancer

There are many aspects of quality of life which are non-intuitive and need to be studied to get information for the improvement of cancer treatment. There is general agreement that quality of life should be measured as an important end-point in clinical trials, especially when palliative treatment is intended. The present paper summarizes the main aspects of measurement of quality of life as well as the results of quality of life studies concerning breast cancer. Many practical problems in our health care system clearly undermine the quality of life of cancer patients. The Finnish Hospital League ran a project to identify factors affecting quality of life in the treatment of breast cancer. Four important aspects are discussed, i.e. individual treatment choices, communication, psychological support and continuity of care. Most of the findings are likely to be generalizable within a Nordic cultural context, although Finland still devotes fewer resources to psychosocial support than do other Nordic countries.

Depressive symptomatology of post-menopausal breast cancer patients: a comparison of women recently treated by mastectomy or by breast-conserving therapy

The aim of this study was to detect differences in depressive symptomatology in post-menopausal breast cancer patients who had recently undergone either mastectomy or breast conserving therapy. We measured depressive symptoms shortly after diagnosis and surgery as well as 6 months later. There were no significant differences in mean scores and relative risk estimates between the two treatment groups at either time of measurement. From this study we conclude that women treated by breast-conserving therapy have comparable levels of depressive symptoms to women treated by mastectomy during the first 8 months after diagnosis. Breast-conserving therapy can have cosmetic and physical advantages, but requires as much psychological adjustment as mastectomy does.

Breast-conserving surgery without radiotherapy

Radiotherapy effectively prevents local recurrences, but on the other hand still over 80% of non irradiated women are free from local relapse 5 years after breast surgery aiming at radical removal of the primary tumor. So far, there are no indications that radiotherapy to the breast after breast conservation saves lives. The marginal monetary cost for prevention of one local recurrence is about $41,000. Thus, one clinically relevant question is if there is a group of women where the benefits of radiotherapy after breast conservation is outweighed by psychosocial and medical side-effects. Unfortunately, we still lack information from several areas, which makes a detailed cost-benefit analysis uncertain today. The problem situation would change: 1) If we knew more about the pathogenesis of local recurrences and thus also could undertake preventive measures other than radiotherapy. 2) If there was more information on risk factors for local recurrence, and we could identify a low-risk group that could be spared treatment. 3) If there were more valid empirical information on the psychosocial side-effects--both of a local recurrence and of the radiotherapy. 4) If the long-term--positive and negative--effects of radiotherapy were better quantified. Until we have new information, postoperative radiotherapy after breast conservation remains the standard.

Mastectomy versus conservative surgery and radiation therapy. Psychosocial consequences

BACKGROUND

Clinical trials comparing mastectomy to conservative surgery plus radiation therapy in the treatment of breast cancer have provided an opportunity to increase understanding of the biology of this disease and the psychological adaptation of the breast cancer patient. Because these local treatments appear to be equal in terms of survival, the question remains as to whether conservative surgery plus radiation therapy confers a measure of psychological comfort superior to that of mastectomy for women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

METHODS

One hundred forty-two women participating in a clinical trial randomizing patients to mastectomy or lumpectomy and radiation therapy were prospectively evaluated for psychological response to their respective local therapy. A baseline assessment before randomization and subsequent questionnaires at 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment were completed by patients entered in the clinical trial.

RESULTS

At 6 months, mastectomy patients reported significantly less control over events in their lives (P = 0.003) and more problems with sexual relations (P = 0.021) than did their conservatively treated counterparts. In addition, there were marked differences between mastectomy patients and lumpectomy and radiation therapy patients in the degree of distress over their nude bodies, with P = 0.001 at 6 months, P = 0.019 at 12 months, and P = 0.057 at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

From our findings, it appears that breast conservation therapy protects women's perception of their body but does not, over time, contribute to a more positive sexual adjustment.

Reconstructive surgery in operable breast cancer. Critical evaluation

In a large number of patients suffering from breast carcinoma the surgeon is still forced, for strictly technical reasons and/or by the patient's choice, to perform a radical operation that psychologically and practically compromises the quality of life of the patient, in varying degrees from patient to patient. The authors have analyzed the main characteristics of BR from the esthetic-functional, psychological, and oncological points of view, in the light of a careful examination of the literature and of the data relating to a sample group of 500 BR treated according to a protocol in which BR has been included, with times and modalities depending on the histological type of tumor and the level of local evolution of the disease. The variety of BR techniques available is such as to permit this option in a great variety of cases. Whenever possible, immediate BR, with placement of a breast prosthesis at the same time or after positioning a tissue expander, is to be preferred. If additional skin or muscle is needed, BR is to be performed at a later time by means of more complex techniques (latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap plus prosthesis, TRAM flap, free flap). When performed after adequate evaluation and in a technically valid way, BR gives good esthetic and psychological results, has a low incidence of complications or sequelae, and does not affect the natural history of the disease; in particular, BR does not change the percentage of local recurrence or its early diagnosis and allows adequate multidisciplinary treatment.

The psychological and cosmetic aspects of breast conserving therapy compared with radical mastectomy

An evaluation of the psychological and cosmetic morbidity of 31 patients who had undergone breast conserving treatment (BCT group) and 71 patients who had undergone radical mastectomy (RM group) revealed that 85% and 73%, respectively, were satisfied with their operative results. BCT appeared superior to RM in relation to body image, with 93% of the BCT group indicating BCT as a future choice of treatment, whereas only 35% of the RM group indicated RM as a future choice of treatment. For 59% of the BCT patients, the results were considered excellent or good by a physician, but fear of recurrence was frequently expressed by both groups even though an early stage of breast cancer had been significantly more common in the BCT group than the RM group. Sexual adjustment was the same in both groups. Body image was thus concluded to have been improved by BCT rather than RM, but psychological morbidity was essentially the same in both groups.

Psychosocial adjustment among husbands of women treated for breast cancer; mastectomy vs. breast-conserving surgery

Psychosocial adjustment was measured among 56 spouses of women operated for breast cancer. Of 69 eligible husbands, 56 participated. Twenty women underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCT) and 36 had a mastectomy (MT). An interview was conducted with each woman and her husband separately, 4 and 13 months after surgery. Two instruments were used; SBAS (Social Behaviour Assessment Schedule) and a scale (TB) constructed specifically for the study. The husbands of the women in the MT group were significantly more depressed after 4 months and reported complaints related to their wive's disease more often than did those in the BCT group. After 4 months, the marital relation was assessed as more positive in the MT group. A total of 48% of the husbands in the sample expressed some emotional distress during the investigation period, which is similar to levels seen among breast cancer-operated women themselves. Overall, only marginally better scores were seen for husbands married to women who had undergone breast-conserving surgery. Few researchers have studied psychosocial reactions in the breast cancer patient's family. Since patterns of social support empirically influence the rehabilitation of the cancer patient, this field of investigation is important.

Determinants of the psycho-social outcome after operation for breast cancer. Results of a prospective comparative interview study following mastectomy and breast conservation

In a prospective interview study, designed to compare the psycho-social outcome after a breast-conserving vs. a mastectomy operation, we analysed possible predictors of the psycho-social adjustment. 99 women with breast cancer histopathological TNM stages I and II were consecutively admitted to the study. Half-structured interviews, based on the Social Adjustment Scale and a scale by P. Maguire, were performed 4 and 13 months after the operation. Living together with the spouse seems to protect women from developing psycho-social problems postoperatively. Women who were gainfully employed or who were given radiotherapy had a higher risk of poor adjustment after 4 months. At 13 months, the scorings indicate that radiotherapy has a reassuring effect. Type of surgery was controlled for in the analysis and showed that, of the risk factors studied, the most consistent trend for an overall better outcome was in the breast-conserved group except for sexual disturbances.

Breast conservation versus mastectomy. Is there a difference in psychological adjustment or quality of life in the year after surgery?

Women with a breast cancer diagnosis often are given a choice between breast conservation or mastectomy as the primary treatment for their cancer. Despite the high frequency of this cancer, there is little systemic information about the effect of surgical treatment on the quality of life or psychological adjustment of the patient. In this study, the authors prospectively evaluated quality of life, performance status, and psychological adjustment in 109 women who had primary breast cancer treatment. During the year of follow-up, no statistically significant differences in quality of life, mood disturbance, performance status, or global adjustment were found between the two surgical groups, and both groups of patients improved significantly during the year of observation (P = 0.0001). As was predicted, patients receiving mastectomy reported more difficulties with clothing and body image; however, these results apparently did not affect the assessment of mood or quality of life. The authors conclude that patients receiving breast conservation therapy do not experience significantly better quality of life or mood than patients having mastectomy; however, patients having breast conservation surgery have fewer problems with clothing and body image. Women receiving breast conservation therapy may require more intensive psychosocial intervention in the postoperative period because of the added burden of primary radiation therapy.

The impact of chemotherapy on the quality of life of breast cancer patients

One hundred and thirty-seven breast cancer patients, 102 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and 35 receiving palliative chemotherapy for metastatic disease underwent a 37-item quality-of-life questionnaire to evaluate the impact of disease and treatment on physical, psychological and social well being. Patient groups were designated as follows--Adj CT: patients undergoing the questionnaire during their adjuvant chemotherapy program; Post Adj CT: patients evaluated 3 to 8 months after termination of adjuvant chemotherapy; Mts CT: patients assessed during palliative chemotherapy for metastatic disease, and Post Mts CT: patients 3 to 8 months after termination of palliative chemotherapy. Physical and social activities were reported as unaltered or normal by 64 to 70% and 52 to 67% of patients, respectively. Psychological status was judged normal by 39 to 45% of patients. No significant differences were observed between the patients groups. In 83 to 90% of cases the patient normally took care of herself. In 62 to 87% of cases time dedicated to recreational activities was reported as unaltered. The majority of patients (84%) judged that their relationship with partner and/or family were good. Severe anxiety was reported in 19 to 28% of patients and severe depression was infrequent (3.9%). Information regarding disease and treatment given by health professionals was considered satisfactory by 80 to 100% of patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Psychosocial adjustment to cystectomy for bladder carcinoma and effects on interpersonal relationships

Postoperative adjustment and the psychosocial consequences of cystectomy were studied in 34 patients with bladder carcinoma. Urinary diversion was accomplished via a conduit in 20 patients and a continent caecal reservoir in 14. Interviews with the patients were conducted according to a semistructured outline. The great majority adjusted fairly well, mainly due to support from family members. Help was provided by medical staff in only a few cases. While relationships with friends were unchanged, those with spouse/partner were commonly disturbed by sexual problems and presence of a urostoma. The mode of urinary diversion had no influence on the studied variables. Despite a high acceptance level of their malignant affliction, several patients did not accept their present situation. Lack of psychologic support from the health services was a common experience.

Breast cancer: psychosocial consequences for the patient

Women with breast cancer experience various psychosocial problems throughout the continuum of the disease. The psychosocial impact and adjustment of women with breast cancer during the phases of pretreatment, primary treatment, adjuvant therapy, recurrence, and advanced disease have numerous implications for nursing practice and research.

Local therapy for breast cancer: treatment choices and decision making

Treatment options for the woman diagnosed with breast cancer have changed considerably over time. Mastectomy was standard treatment for breast cancer 5 years ago. Today, breast conservation treatment (excision of primary tumor plus radiation therapy) is appropriate therapy for the majority of women with stage I or II breast cancer. Women now have options for therapy and can play a major role in deciding their courses of cancer care.

Treatment of early breast cancer with conservation of the breast. A review

This paper reviews the current status of conservative treatment for early breast cancer. While the first patients were treated with such techniques more than 60 years ago, it is during the last decade that randomized trials have confirmed that such treatment is comparable to mastectomy in preventing breast cancer death. Radiotherapy to the breast after local tumour excision is important to prevent local breast relapse, but it is not clear whether it has any influence on the risk of distant metastases. Several questions remain to be answered. While most investigators agree that the breast should receive a radiation dose of about 50 Gy in 5 weeks, there is no general agreement about the need for a tumour bed booster dose. Considering patients with tumour infiltration at the surgical resection line for whom it is not possible for cosmetic reasons to perform re-resection, it is not clear whether an acceptable local control rate can be achieved through application of a high booster dose in the tumour bed. More trials are needed to show whether certain patients with small invasive carcinomas should be treated with wide local excision without radiotherapy. The need for radiotherapy after local excision for small intraductal (ductal carcinoma in situ) cancers is being addressed in ongoing trials.

Sector resection with and without radiotherapy in early breast cancer. Presentation of two ongoing prospective multicenter studies in Sweden. Uppsala/Orebro Breast Cancer Study Group

In 1982 a prospective, multicentre randomized trial of breast preserving surgery for invasive histopathological stage I breast cancer was started in the Uppsala-Orebro health care region in Sweden. After identical preoperative investigation and surgical treatment, patients are randomly allocated to receive postoperative radiation with 54 Gy to the remaining breast for five weeks, or to serve as controls. The primary aim of the trial is to determine whether a standardized surgical technique aiming at local tumour radicality can reduce the rate of local recurrence to an acceptable level without postoperative radiotherapy. In December 1987 a second trial was initiated, with an almost identical design but including women with tumours mammographically 21-30 mm in diameter and with histopathologically negative nodes. The first trial is near the termination of patient accrual. Studies of the cosmetic result and of the psychosocial adjustment after breast conserving therapy as compared with mastectomy have been coupled to the trials. Among 263 patients who answered a questionnaire, 96.5% found the new appearance of the treated breast good or acceptable. The psychosocial adjustment was assessed in semi-structured interviews 4 and 13 months postoperatively in 99 women, 37 of whom underwent breast conserving surgery and the remainder modified radical mastectomy. There was a consistent but statistically non-significant tendency for the conservatively treated women to adjust better. Overall 5% of the women in the conservatively treated group and 22% of the mastectomized women are still suffering substantial psychosocial disturbance after 13 months.