Body Image and Body Image Quality of Life in women with mastectomy. Comparison of women with immediate reconstruction, delayed reconstruction or without reconstruction

Abstract

Aim: Analyze Body Image and its influence on Quality of Life in women who have undergone mastectomy as part of the treatment for breast cancer, with immediate reconstruction, delayed reconstruction or mastectomy without breast reconstruction. Method: The Body Image Scale (S-BIS) and the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI-SP) were administered to 30 women, divided into three groups: Immediate Reconstruction (n = 10); Delayed reconstruction (n = 10) and No reconstruction (n = 10). Result: Women who underwent immediate reconstruction presented less concerns with body image and higher body image quality of life. Furthermore, women without breast reconstruction presented higher concerns with body image and lower body image quality of life. The differences between groups did not reach statistical significance. Sexuality appears on both scales as an affected area. Finally, significant negative correlations were found between Body Image and Body Image Quality of Life in two groups: Immediate Reconstruction and No Reconstruction.

Conclusions: Women who had breast reconstruction after mastectomy presented a better adjustment than those without reconstruction. Besides, women with immediate reconstruction shows less deterioration in body image than those with delayed reconstruction. However, some women evidence having integrated changes into a new body image without the need for reconstruction, demonstrating that choosing not to rebuild can also be a healthy and adequate option for many women. Regardless of their circumstances, every woman should have the right to choose the way to get through this situation and have access to all of the options.