Life satisfaction, body image and associated factors among women with breast cancer after mastectomy.

BACKGROUND

Women having undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer have experiences which are very much individual and contextual. In order to understand the women and improve their quality of life, the aim of this study was to investigate life satisfaction, body image and associated factors among Swedish women with breast cancer after mastectomy.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 481 Swedish women with breast cancer after mastectomy who completed a questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, sources of information, and life satisfaction and body image (outcome variables). Multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate relationships between socio-demographic characteristics, information support, sources of information, treatment variables, and outcome variables.

RESULTS

All dimensions of life satisfaction were associated with body image. Treatment options were factors associated with life satisfaction, while sources of information were a factor that increased life satisfaction in the dimensions of physical symptoms, sickness impact and quality of close-friend relationship. Underlying disease, age 31-45 years, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction increased body image dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The finding that some socio-demographic characteristics, treatment options and sources of information were associated with life dissatisfaction and body image dissatisfaction can increase healthcare professionals' understanding of women with breast cancer after treatment. They should provide accurate and realistic information, focus attention on the women's needs, and prepare psychological intervention programs that make the women cope with their life situations during follow-up care.