Research_
What influences women’s treatment choices for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and radiation therapy?
A cross-sectional survey of women's experiences with post-mastectomy breast reconstruction
For women with breast cancer, breast reconstruction after mastectomy may be important to restore positive body image and quality of life. However, the best time to have breast reconstruction is unclear, particularly when radiation therapy is recommended.
The aims of this study are to explore women's attitudes, beliefs and experiences with various breast cancer treatment options and outcomes; namely post-mastectomy reconstructive procedures that may be immediate or delayed, with their own tissue or implant/expander-based; and with or without radiation therapy.
This is a cross-sectional survey asking women about their experience of decision-making, how they feel about their reconstructed breast, their body image, psychological outcomes and the financial impact of their treatment. There is also an optional interview in which we will develop a more detailed understanding of the nuances in their experiences and decision-making.
We hope that the findings will inform the development of shared decision-making tools for women undergoing mastectomy, which in turn will lead to facilitate informed decision-making and improved cancer care, quality of life and reduced regret for breast cancer patients.
Ethics approval #HREC/17/CRGH/329
Eligibility
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are:
- A woman diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (currently or in the past)
- Have had a surgical treatment of mastectomy for breast cancer
- Completed primary therapy for breast cancer at least 6 months previously
- Aged over 17 years
- Ability to read and speak English sufficiently well to respond to written questions without assistance
- Ability to provide informed consent
How to participate
Through an online survey, participants are given the chance to leave their contact details if they would like to be contacted by our research team for the optional interview. If you are interested in assisting with this important and exciting area of research, please click here to access the survey.
