Impact of silicone implants on the lives of women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the impact of silicone implants on the lives of women with breast cancer.

DESIGN

Qualitative analysis of telephone interview data.

SAMPLE

120 women from across the United States who have reported to the Food and Drug Administration problems with breast implants following mastectomies.

METHODS

Telephone interviews were used to gather responses to 110 questions. Qualitative analysis of narrative data was linked with quantitative data.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Concerns and feelings about breast implants; potential problems with silicone implants; source of information about problems; how they coped with the silicone implant controversy; problems related to their breast implants; the effect of health problems on day-to-day activities, relationships with significant others, work, and any other important aspects of their lives; and advice they would give other women regarding breast implant surgery. By linking the qualitative analysis of narrative data with quantitative data, the investigators sought to answer the following research question: Do the patterns of responses differ based on specific systemic physical problems, reported localized breast problems, or implant problems?

FINDINGS

The women reported poorer quality of life and feelings of worry and anger because of health problems. They perceived they had received incomplete information and often had complaints dismissed by their healthcare providers. Most of them would not recommend silicone implants for patients undergoing mastectomy. The women's levels of satisfaction were directly associated with their feelings of being informed and the type of health problems they experienced.

CONCLUSIONS

Women need reconstruction options following mastectomy, however, use of silicone implants can result in additional health problems and decreased quality of life as a result of those problems.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses can assume the role of breast health educator, which includes counseling women with breast cancer about breast implants and other reconstructive options. Study results will help health providers care both for those patients considering treatment options and those coping with the problems and concerns related to their breast implants. Women should be told the inherent risks and complications associated with breast implants and also told when "we don't know."