[Personal and psychosocial problems in mastectomy for breast cancer and the possibility of adjustment].
Parts of the results of single interviews of 34 patients with carcinoma of the breast are reported. A team of physician, psychologist, and the patients themselves worked out the interviews. These were then coded and analyzed. 10 patients said that they had found it especially difficult to overcome the problems caused by their illness due to the loss of their jobs because of bureaucratic reasons. 5 patients got into financial troubles. The patients tried to get back to their previous jobs, hobbies, social contacts and holiday habits as soon as possible. In all cases the illness caused a more anxious observation of bodily sensations. 19 patients felt the loss of the breast as a heavy diminution of their female identity. These reactions were strongly influenced by the reactions of their male partners and the loss of their jobs. The loss of the breast and the awareness of the disease partly negatively, partly positively changed the emotional state and family life and in many cases caused a change of sexual behaviour. Overprotection and questions regarding the patients' health were generally felt to be stressful. 17 patients tried to avoid obtaining complete information on the disease. They were afraid of contradictory views presented by the mass media or by fellow patients they met in waiting rooms, in convalescent sanatoriums, or in self-help groups. Although, still aware of their disease, 23 patient regained a fully satisfying life-style, 3 were ambivalent. The most important factors in overcoming the problems were family, friends, and the patients' own ability to adapt. The psychosocial care was entirely insufficient, although the patients showed a great readiness to cooperate.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D003075:Coitus; D004644:Emotions; D004651:Employment; D005190:Family; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life
Persönliche und psychosoziale Probleme nach Brustamputationen wegen eines Mammakarzinoms und die Möglichkeit ihrer Bewältigung.