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Perceived influence of psychological consultation on psychological well‐being, body image, and intimacy following bilateral prophylactic mastectomy: A qualitative analysis
Author(s) -
Glassey Rachael,
Hardcastle Sarah J.,
O'Connor Moira,
Ives Angela,
Saunders Christobel
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4558
Subject(s) - psychosocial , mastectomy , psychological well being , breast cancer , prophylactic mastectomy , clinical psychology , interpretative phenomenological analysis , psychology , qualitative research , medicine , family medicine , psychiatry , cancer , social science , sociology
Objective This study explored whether psychological consultation offered to women prior to bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) appeared to provide psychosocial benefit to younger women (<35 years) at high risk of developing breast cancer due to a mutation or family history. Methods Qualitative interviews guided by interpretative phenomenological analysis were conducted retrospectively with 26 women who had undergone BPM. Participants were recruited from New Zealand and Australia, via a genetics clinic, registry, research cohort, and online. Results Three themes were identified: psychological well‐being and adjustment, satisfaction with intimacy, and body image. Participants that had seen a psychologist reported being more prepared for BPM and appeared to adjust positively post‐surgery. They appeared to have improved psychological well‐being, reported satisfaction with intimacy, and a more positive body image, compared with those who had no support. Conclusions Women who undergo psychological consultation prior to BPM appear to adjust positively after surgery. Implications for practice include standard psychological consultation for younger women (>35 years) considering BPM.