Worden J W, Weisman A D
Am J Med Sci. 1977 Mar-Apr;273(2):169-75. doi: 10.1097/00000441-197703000-00006.
The prominence of postmastectomy depression and loss of self esteem, together with its reputed relation to symbolism or sexual significance of the breasts, has been investigated. Neither could be confirmed. Forty newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were compared with 50 women with other types of cancer. Only 20 per cent of breast patients and 18 per cent of others reported the syndrome of depression, lowered self esteem, increased health concerns, and loss of energy. Peak emotional distress did occur in breast patients about two to three months after mastectomy, a finding which may be influenced by the treatment, as well as by return to regular responsibilities. Few women ascribed psychosocial problems primarily to losing their breast. While the postmastectomy syndrome is not common, the frequency of breast cancer itself means that a substantial number of women may still be affected. But other variables are better predictors or concomitants of emotional distress than are problems about damaged body image.
乳房切除术后抑郁和自尊丧失的突出问题，以及其与乳房的象征意义或性意义的所谓关系，已得到研究。两者均未得到证实。将40名新诊断的乳腺癌患者与50名患有其他类型癌症的女性进行了比较。只有20%的乳腺癌患者和18%的其他患者报告了抑郁综合征、自尊降低、对健康的担忧增加以及精力丧失。乳房切除术后约两到三个月，乳腺癌患者确实出现了情绪困扰的高峰，这一发现可能受到治疗以及恢复正常职责的影响。很少有女性将心理社会问题主要归因于失去乳房。虽然乳房切除术后综合征并不常见，但乳腺癌本身的发病率意味着仍有相当数量的女性可能受到影响。但与身体形象受损问题相比，其他变量更能预测情绪困扰或与之相关。
