[Psychological and social behavior of females following radical operation of breast cancer]

Abstract

55 women having had radical mastectomy were interviewed. In 40 of them a continuing anxiety could be shown to exist. Grief, consternation about the loss of attractivity and disfigurement of the body could be found in 50 of them. The loss of self confidence may be followed by disturbances of sexuality, marital and interpersonal relationships. Reintegration into social live is often difficult, relations with the social environment being interrupted. In the course of the patient's preoperative information these emotional disturbances must be discussed by the surgeon. 17 of these patients were interviewed again after successful breast reconstruction. In all of them psychological reactions could be found to be lowered and there was a rise of self confidence, too. Therefore rehabilitation of women after mastectomy must be considered to be an important part of treatment. "Today and in future surgery will include more than mere operations."