Psychological reactions, quality of life, and body image after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy in women at high risk for breast cancer: a prospective 1-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively evaluate body image, sexuality, emotional reactions (anxiety, depression), and quality of life in a sample of women having increased risk for breast cancer before and 6 months and 1 year after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM), and to compare preoperative expectations of the operation with postoperative reactions concerning the impact on six areas of the women's lives.


METHODS
A total of 90 of 98 consecutive women who underwent BPM during October 1997 to December 2005 were included. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaires (eg, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, Swedish Short Term-36 Health Survey, Body Image Scale, Sexual Activity Questionnaire) before the operation (n = 81), and 6 (n = 71) and 12 months (n = 65) after BPM.


RESULTS
Anxiety decreased over time (P = .0004). No corresponding difference was found for depression. No differences in health-related quality of life over time were found, with one exception. A substantial proportion of the women reported problems with body image 1 year after BPM (eg, self consciousness, 48%; feeling less sexually attractive, 48%; and dissatisfaction with the scars, 44%). Sexual pleasure was rated lower 1-year post-BPM as compared with before operation (P = .005), but no differences over time in habit, discomfort, or activity were found.


CONCLUSIONS
No negative effects on anxiety, depression, and quality of life were found. Anxiety and social activities improved. Negative impact on sexuality and body image was reported.
Brandberg
Yvonne
Y
Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital, S 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden. yvonne.brandberg@onkpat.ki.se
Sandelin
Kerstin
K
Erikson
Staffan
S
Jurell
Göran
G
Liljegren
Annelie
A
Lindblom
Annika
A
Lindén
Ann
A
von Wachenfeldt
Anna
A
Wickman
Marie
M
Arver
Brita
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001828:Body Image; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019398:Genes, BRCA1; D024522:Genes, BRCA2; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D008408:Mastectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires