[Effects of mastectomy on dimensions of psychological and psychosocial experience and behavior of affected women].

The present study deals with the issue of how mastectomy will impact selected dimensions of psychological and psychosocial experience and behaviour in the women concerned. The study had comprised 21 women, mean age 55. 73 years, with a breast cancer diagnosis given between 1 and 21 years ago. Data collection was carried out using a 17-item questionnaire standardized for this purpose. Factor analyses produced four clearly interpretable factors. Study findings suggest that breast cancer surgery will not inevitably result in impaired sexual behaviour and experience in the affected women, whereas it is sure to impact, to varying degrees, on the factors and dimensions of "body image and self-image", "psychological and psychosomatic complaints" as well as anticipated "performance capacity and social relationships". Intercorrelations among questionnaire items are set out. It has further been found that the variables "time of breast removal" and "life age" had exercised only negligible influence on the women's questionnaire response, and that the psychosocial support experienced post-surgery was reported to have primarily come from the circle of family and friends, and less so been extended by self-help groups or medial staff. Concluding, the need for integrated rehabilitative measures is pointed out.