The Influence of Mastectomy on the Feelings of Women and on Family Relations: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the main cause of death in the female
population in Brazil. Mastectomy is still the main therapeutic method
for the treatment of breast cancer.
Objective: This study strived to identify the feelings of women undergoing
mastectomy, and to analyze how their families cope with this
situation.
Methods: This is a literature review, in which a survey was conducted
in the LILACS and SciELO-Brazil databases. 123 papers were found, and
15 articles that contained the key words mastectomy, cancer breast, and
family relations were used.
Results: For women, the breast not only corresponds to the physical
aspect; it is a symbol of femininity, which means pride for every woman
and a source of admiration for men, with an emotional and psychological
significance. Mastectomy in women creates a sense of incompleteness,
causing them to experience feelings of loss, nonconformity, sadness and
low self-esteem. The family, therefore, should be supportive, not allowing
the patient to be overcome by the disease.
Conclusion: Family support plays an important role in the recovery
of the woman as she copes with the removal of the cancer. Such support
consists in the attitude of listening, touching and expressing positive
feelings, as well as of being available to understand the stages of the
disease, while providing emotional support so that the woman may feel
more confident to face the problem.