Study on role of External breast prosthesis in psycho-social experiences of breast cancer survivors who underwent mastectomy

Mastectomy causes an alteration in the appearance of the breast which affects women’s self-image and femininity that can lead to anxiety and depression of breast cancer cases is increasing in developing countries like India. There are very few studies describing effect of Mastectomy on Women and experiences of women using external breast prosthesis after mastectomy, in India. The cost of different types of prosthesises vary widely starting from a few hundred rupees to 7000-8000. Many women refuse to use a breast prosthesis as they cannot afford. Also, some women find it uncomfortable to wear an external prosthesis. The authors could not find any data on the preference and affordability of the Indian women requiring external breast prosthesis. Therefore, we propose to conduct a mix method observational study using both qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the effect of mastectomy and use of external breast prosthesis after the mastectomy on Indian women.

Quantitative study

To understand experiences of breast cancer patients, post mastectomy and how use of prosthesis impact such experiences. The interviews will be conducted in-person in the hospital. Hopwood’s body image scale will be used to conduct the satisfaction survey of patients using prosthesis .

Part 1: 100 breast cancer patient/survivors who have used cotton prosthesis and 100 patients who have used silicon prosthesis for at least 2 months will be interviewed.

Part 2: 100 breast cancer patients who has underwent mastectomy but has not used the prosthesis and are willing to use cotton prosthesis will be enrolled. The same 100 breast cancer patients will be interviewed again after 2 or more months of using the cotton breast prosthesis.

·         Qualitative study

The qualitative study will be conducted in minimum 10 survey participants or until responses start to repeat in each of the following groups:

Patients who used silicon prosthesis (Part 1)

Patients who used cotton prosthesis (Part 1)

Patients who underwent mastectomy but not using EBP (Part 2)

Patients using cotton prosthesis for at least two months. (Part 2)

The qualitative study uses in-depth, semi-structured interviews based on a comprehensive questionnaire. Interviews, conducted privately and lasting 60-90 minutes, will be audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Ethical guidelines, including informed consent and confidentiality, will be strictly followed. Qualitative study is incorporated for an in-depth understanding impact of EBP in breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy.