External breast prostheses. A survey of their use by women after mastectomy.

Women who have had a mastectomy for breast cancer have to cope with two major problems: first, that they have cancer, and second, that they have lost their physical appearance. The provision of an appropriate prosthesis can reduce the sense of disfigurement. If women were to obtain the full psychological benefit of wearing a breast prosthesis, they need to be informed about the available breast forms, have an opportunity to choose between them, and to be satisfied with their choice. In this study of 49 women, only 44% had had the opportunity to choose a prosthesis, 28% were dissatisfied with their prostheses, and 17% were still using temporary prostheses.