The patients perception of her breast following radiation and limited surgery

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1989 Dec;17(6):1299-302. doi: 10.1016/0360-3016(89)90540-3.

Abstract

Seventy-four patients followed from 1 to 8 years post completion of breast-conserving surgery and radiation for early-stage breast cancer were asked to answer a questionnaire exploring their perception and awareness of the treated breast. The questionnaire was divided into several sections, including "Daily Activities", Pre-menstrual Changes", "Sexual Activities", and a summary "Satisfaction Index" section; when appropriate, comparisons were sought between the treated and untreated breasts. Preliminary results from this study indicate that 70% of all patients are aware of their treated breast in some way during everyday activities. The "Satisfaction Index" of this patient group is very high, with 75% rating their cosmetic result, and 81% their functional result "8" or higher on a scale of "0" to "10","10" indicating "best" or "normal".

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Awareness
  • Breast Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy, Segmental / psychology*
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Perception*
  • Sex