Self-Esteem Following Mastectomy in Early Breast Cancer Patients

Khemiri S, Boudawara O, Toumi N, Ayedi I and Khanfir A

Published on: 2023-09-22

Abstract

Introduction: Mastectomy is a traumatic experience in the life of breast cancer patients. However, its impact is often ignored by clinicians. Our aim was to evaluate the self-esteem of early breast cancer patients following mastectomy.

Methods: We conducted an observational study including early breast cancer patients treated by mastectomy without reconstruction. At least 3 months had elapsed since their surgery. Patients with bilateral mastectomy were excluded. Rosenberg scale was used to evaluate patients’ self-esteem.

Results: We interviewed a total of 58 women with a mean age of 52, 53 years (SD ±10, 18). Forty-eight patients were married. Median time between surgery and the date of the questionnaire was 26, 5 months. Lower self-esteem was observed in 93, 1 % of patients (very low in 29, 3 % and low in 63, 8 %). Median score was 28. Married women were at a higher risk of low self-esteem levels (97, 9 % vs 70 %, p = 0,002). No statistically significant difference in the other subgroups was observed.

Conclusion: Breast amputation was associated with a reduced self-esteem in patients with early breast cancer. Clinicians should be aware of this negative impact in order to provide patients with the necessary support.