Obtaining & Using an External Breast Prosthesis: Patient Experience After Mastectomy in Latvia

Abstract

Date Presented 04/03/2025

Patients after breast cancer treatment need to know about obtaining and using external breast prosthesis; thus, it is important for OTs and other members of rehabilitation team to increase their knowledge of prosthesis.

Primary Author and Speaker: Ance Pasa

Additional Authors and Speakers: Agnese Karklina

Breast malignancy was the most common cancer diagnosed in women in 2022, with surgery being the primary treatment in most cases, including mastectomy. The loss of one or both breasts after mastectomy can negatively impact a woman’s quality of life, including body image. External breast prostheses is an alternative that can improve those aspects. As patients after breast cancer treatment need to know where to obtain and how to use an external breast prosthesis, it is important for occupational therapists to expand their knowledge of such technical aids. Aim of the study: to explore the experiences of women in Latvia who had undergone mastectomy and used external breast prostheses.

DESIGN: Qualitative research design, phenomenological analysis.

METHOD: Semi-structured individual interview. Nine women, who met the inclusion criteria, were included from oncological patient support associations organizations and interviewed from oncology patient support associations. The deductive content analysis method has been used.

RESULTS: Women chose external breast prostheses to avoid further reconstruction surgery and its consequences, due to their age, lack of information about breast reconstruction options, or because they could not accept their body image without breast. Most of the participants received prostheses funded by the state, but many were dissatisfied with them. There were women who had accepted the prosthesis and were able to continue their important activities, but there were also some who had given up activities such as sunbathing, swimming and going to the sauna.

CONCLUSION: The study provides insights into the experiences of several women in obtaining and using external breast prosthesis. Patients with breast cancer should have access to information on both the possibilities for obtaining prosthesis and the overall use, already in the environment of the treatment institution, thus preparing for future changes that the patient may face in daily life.

References

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