Women’s perceptions on the impact of radical mastectomy in their personal and marital life - doi: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v9i3.12557

Abstract

Descriptive, qualitative research identifies how women who underwent a radical mastectomy perceive the surgery impact on their personal and marital life. Nine women who had undergone mastectomy for more than a year and lived with a partner participated in the research. Data were collected from July to September 2006, through a semi-structured interview. Data analysis was supported by content analysis, reinforcing the division into categories: life rebuilding after deep mastectomy; changes in marital life: the importance of the partner support; emotional scars left by mastectomy on sexual life; and, the search for new ways of living without a breast. The results show these women’s feelings when they experience living in a world without breast and the possible impact caused by the surgery on their marriage. The study brings forth reflections about the care to be given to women and theirs partner in coping with mastectomy.