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LIFE SATISFACTION OF WOMEN AFTER MASTECTOMY
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer belongs to the most frequent types of cancer in women and its incidence has been increasing worldwide. Mastectomy is one of the treatment options. Breasts represent the symbol of feminity and motherhood, therefore, their loss or surgery resulting in a shape deformity or a scar may lead to psychological problems and low self-esteem. The work aimed to determine the level of overall life satisfaction and the differences in individual scales after complete or partial mastectomy in women. Method: A quantitative approach was applied. We worked with the Life-satisfaction questionnaire by Fahrenberg, Myrtek, Schumacher and Brähler assessing life satisfaction on 10 scales. The research took place between December 2016 and April 2017. Participants should meet the following criteria: minimum age of 18, diagnosis of primary breast cancer solved with complete or partial mastectomy, no local or system metastases, outpatient treatment, no other chronic disease. 140 questionnaires were distributed out of which 62% were processed. To determine the data deviations from normal distribution, the Spearman`s correlation test and the Mann-Whitney test were used. Results: There were found no significant differences in life satisfaction in women after complete or partial mastectomy. However, the statistically significant difference was found in the scale Friends, acquaintances and relatives between the women attending life-support groups and those who did not attend such a group (p=0.0146). Conclusion: Mastectomy is the intervention disturbing one`s body integrity and it represents a significant mental strain for women, no matter whether it is complete or partial. Social support and self-help groups play an important role in dealing with post-operative strain and in coping with a new situation.
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