Perceived influence of psychological consultation on psychological well-being, body image, and intimacy following bilateral prophylactic mastectomy: A qualitative analysis

Costs of Cancer Prevention: Physical and Psychosocial Sequelae of Risk-Reducing Total Gastrectomy

PURPOSE

Risk-reducing surgery for cancer prevention in solid tumors is a pressing clinical topic because of the increasing availability of germline genetic testing. We examined the short- and long-term outcomes of risk-reducing total gastrectomy (RRTG) and its lesser-known impacts on health-related quality of life (QOL) in individuals with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome.

METHODS

Individuals who underwent RRTG as part of a single-institution natural history study of hereditary gastric cancers were examined. Clinicopathologic details, acute and chronic operative morbidity, and health-related QOL were assessed. Validated questionnaires were used to determine QOL scores and psycho-social-spiritual measures of healing.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-six individuals underwent RRTG because of a pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline CDH1 variant between October 2017 and December 2021. Most patients (87.3%; 110/126) had pT1aN0 gastric carcinoma with signet ring cell features on final pathology. Acute (<30 days) postoperative major morbidity was low (5.6%; 7/126) and nearly all patients (98.4%) lost weight after total gastrectomy. At 2 years after gastrectomy, 94% (64/68) of patients exhibited at least one chronic complication (ie, bile reflux, dysphagia, and micronutrient deficiency). Occupation change (23.5%), divorce (3%), and alcohol dependence (1.5%) were life-altering consequences attributed to total gastrectomy by some patients. In patients with a median follow-up of 24 months, QOL scores decreased at 1 month after gastrectomy and returned to baseline by 6-12 months.

CONCLUSION

RRTG is associated with life-changing adverse events that should be discussed when counseling patients with CDH1 variants about gastric cancer prevention. The risks of cancer-prevention surgery should not only be judged in the context of likelihood of death due to disease if left untreated, but also based on the real consequences of organ removal.

Coping in Post-Mastectomy Breast Cancer Survivors and Need for Intervention: Systematic Review

Background

Breast cancer is the most prominent cancer type to affect women. Surgical treatment of invasive breast cancers involves mastectomy. Due to mastectomy, women are subjected to social, emotional, and cultural problems which need to be addressed.

Objective

The objective of the study is to understand how women cope with body image-related issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression post-mastectomy.

Design

A systematic literature review was conducted for understanding the coping in post-mastectomy patients. The methods for identifying the studies were based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Databases

Medline/PubMed, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases were used for searching relevant articles. A final of 19 studies were analyzed for the work.

Methods

Search strings such as "coping strategies and post mastectomy," "body image coping and post mastectomy" and "anxiety coping and post mastectomy" were used for identification of references from databases. Eligibility criteria were used for finalizing the references.

Results

Analysis of the 19 studies has clearly shown that women who undergo mastectomy suffer from anxiety, stress, and trauma. This study has observed that women have problems with their body image post-mastectomy along with bouts of depression. Self-coping has been observed in relatively few studies. Psychological interventions before surgery have been observed to be a better coping strategy. In most of the studies, women opted for breast reconstruction to overcome the trauma associated with mastectomy.

Conclusion

Mastectomy has a severe impact on women's appearance and psychology. Breast reconstruction and acceptance have played an important role in coping among these women. However, breast reconstruction is not accepted by many women due to a multitude of factors. Thus, it is essential to have proper intervention programs in place to ensure women can cope with this situation and can lead healthy lives.

Registration

Systematic literature review (SLR) is submitted to PROSPERO. The application confirmation number is 449135.Registration awaited from the database.

Assessing Psychological Morbidity in Cancer-Unaffected BRCA1/2 Pathogenic Variant Carriers: A Systematic Review

Female BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers have an increased lifetime risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Cancer-unaffected women who are newly diagnosed with this pathogenic variant may experience psychological distress because of imminent health threat. No comprehensible review on psychological morbidity in cancer-unaffected BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers is currently available. This review aims to give an overview about all available the studies in which psychological outcomes have been assessed in cancer-unaffected BRCA1/2 pathogenic variant carriers, whether as a primary outcome or secondary measurement. A systematic search across four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO) was conducted. Studies had to report on cancer-unaffected pathogenic variant carriers (exclusively or separately) and use a validated measure of psychological morbidity to be eligible. Measures were only included if they were used in at least three studies. The final review consisted of 45 studies from 13 countries. Distress measures, including anxiety and cancer worry, were most often assessed. Most studies found a peak of distress immediately after genetic test result disclosure, with a subsequent decline over the following months. Only some studies found elevated distress in carriers compared to non-carriers in longer follow-ups. Depression was frequently investigated but largely not found to be of clinical significance. Quality of life seemed to be largely unaffected by a positive genetic test result, although there was some evidence that younger women, especially, were less satisfied with their role functioning in life. Body image has been infrequently assessed so far, but the evidence suggested that there may be a decrease in body image after genetic test result disclosure that may decrease further for women who opt for a prophylactic mastectomy. Across all the outcomes, various versions of instruments were used, often limiting the comparability among the studies. Hence, future research should consider using frequently used instruments, as outlined by this review. Finally, while many studies included cancer-unaffected carriers, they were often not reported on separately, which made it difficult to draw specific conclusions about this population.

Breast cancer genetic mutation: Synthesis of women's experience

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To systematically identify and synthesise the experiences reported by women with a breast cancer mutation who do not have cancer as reported in qualitative research published between 2013 and 2020.

BACKGROUND

Women carrying a BReast CAncer (BRC) genetic mutation have an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. They must engage in emotional decision-making regarding risk management strategies to prevent cancer, including risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The ENTREQ statement guided this review. Eight databases were systematically searched (CINAHL, Pubmed, Embase, Psychinfo [Ovid], Web of Science, Scopus, Proquest and Lenus). Synthesis was guided by "best fit" framework. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme guided assessment of methodological limitations and confidence in the review findings was informed by GRADE-CERQual.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria for synthesis. Six themes were synthesised from the included studies (anxiety; family planning; it's a family affair; empowerment; actions; pragmatic adjustments).

CONCLUSIONS

The multidimensional experiences of women living with a BRCA1/2 mutation require an individualised response based on women's needs at their life stages. A decision coaching model adopted during consultations could support women to guide decision-making regarding cancer risk-reducing strategies.

Surgical Outcome Measures in a Cohort of Patients at High Risk of Breast Cancer Treated by Bilateral Risk Reducing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION

Women with breast cancer related genetic pathogenic variants (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2) or with a strong family history carry lifetime risks of developing breast cancer of up to 80-90%. A significant proportion of these women proceed to bilateral risk reducing mastectomy (RRM). We aimed to document the surgical morbidity of RRM and establish whether a diagnosis of breast cancer at the time of surgery impacted on outcomes.

METHODS

Clinical details of 445 women identified as having >25% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer who underwent RRM and breast reconstruction were interrogated for surgical outcomes such as planned, unplanned and emergency procedures, complication rates, length of stay and longevity of breast reconstruction. These outcome measures were recorded in women diagnosed with breast cancer perioperatively (cancer group, CG) and those without malignancy (benign group, BG).

RESULTS

Median follow up was similar in both groups (BG, 70months; CG 73 months). Patients were older in the CG than BG (43y v 39y; p<0.001). Women in the CG required more planned procedures to complete reconstruction than those in the BG (4 v 2; p=0.002). Emergency procedures, unplanned surgical interventions (e.g. capsulectomy) and post reconstruction complication rates were similar between groups.One in five women overall required revisional surgery. Patients with autologous reconstructions had a revision rate of 1.24/1000 person years compared with 2.52 in the implant reconstruction group.

CONCLUSION

Women contemplating RRM can be reassured that this a safe and effective procedure but will likely take multiple interventions. This knowledge should be integral to obtaining informed consent.

Body Image in BRCA-Positive Young Women Following Bilateral Risk-Reducing Mastectomy: A Review of the Literature

Background/Significance: The presence of a breast cancer (BRCA) gene mutation increases a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy is a proactive treatment option which lowers that risk. However, breast removal can create a change in physical appearance. It is unclear if BRCA-positive women undergoing this surgery in young adulthood, a life stage where intimate relationships, families, and careers are being established, have the same experience with body image as women in later stages of life.

Purpose: The aim of this literature review is to assess how bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy impacts body image in young BRCA-positive women less than 40 years of age, with no history of breast cancer.

Methods: Database searches were performed, yielding 402 results. Studies were considered if participants had an increased lifetime breast cancer risk/BRCA-positive diagnosis and history of bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy, body image was evaluated, and mean age was less than 40 years. A total of three qualitative studies and three quantitative studies were identified as relevant for this review.

Results: A dearth of information exists on body image in young women following bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy. It was found in this review that some women experienced a decline in body image following surgery, while in others body image was maintained or improved.

Conclusion: Understanding factors that impact body image following this risk-reducing surgery will allow clinicians to support this unique population. Open and informative discussion should be encouraged with young women considering, or who have undergone, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy.

'I Didn't Even Recognise Myself': Survivors' Experiences of Altered Appearance and Body Image Distress during and after Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Simple Summary

In interview data collected from 21 people diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the previous six years, participants reported adequate procedural preparation but little or no preparation related to appearance. Body image distress contributed to psychosocial issues for many people, negatively impacting their adaptation to altered appearance. The main themes included; Preparation (sub-themes: Decision-making; and Preparation for Altered Appearance); Altered Appearance (sub-themes: Weight Loss; Face, Skin and Hair Changes; and Reconstructive Surgery); and Consequences (sub-themes Reactions from Others; Adapting to Altered Appearance). Current practice provides information pre-treatment about many aspects of coping; however, the subject of appearance is not routinely addressed. Communication skills training for health professionals that improves their comfort and sensitivity in discussing and conveying compassion around issues of altered appearance, body image, and trauma, is needed to decrease suffering for survivors, support healthy adaptation to living with altered appearance, and increase patient satisfaction with health care.

Abstract

Purpose: Preparation for head and neck cancer treatment is focused on practicalities of treatment. Little or no time is spent prior to treatment discussing aesthetic results of treatment or the psychosocial impact of living with an altered appearance after treatment. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of survivors of head and neck cancers, with a focus on the psychosocial impact of altered appearance. Methods: A qualitative research approach based on social constructionist theory was used. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with survivors of head and neck cancer who had been diagnosed in the previous six years. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Results: People diagnosed with HNC reported feeling rushed into treatment, with adequate procedural preparation but little or no preparation related to appearance. The main themes included: Preparation (sub-themes: Decision-making; and Preparation for Altered Appearance); Altered Appearance (sub-themes: Weight Loss; Face, Skin and Hair Changes; and Reconstructive Surgery); and Consequences (sub-themes Reactions from Others; Adapting to Altered Appearance). Conclusions: Body image distress related to altered appearance, contributed to psychosocial issues for many people diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Current practice provides information pre-treatment about many aspects of coping; however, the subject of appearance is not routinely addressed. Communication skills training for health professionals that improves their comfort and sensitivity in discussing and conveying compassion around issues of altered appearance, body image, and trauma, is needed to decrease suffering for survivors, support healthy adaptation to living with altered appearance, and increase their satisfaction with health care.

Patients' perspectives and experiences concerning barriers to accessing information about bilateral prophylactic mastectomy

PURPOSE

To explore the barriers and experiences of accessing information for women who have received genetic risk assessment/testing results for breast cancer (BC) and are considering a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) and, exploring participants' preferences concerning information and support needs.

METHODS

A qualitative retrospective study guided by interpretative phenomenological analysis was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with forty-six women who were either considering BPM or had already undergone the surgery.

RESULTS

Three themes identified barriers to accessing information; difficulties accessing information, inconsistent information and clinical focus/medicalized information. A fourth theme - preferences of information and support needs, identified three subthemes; these were, psychological support, clearly defined processes and photos of mastectomies/reconstruction surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Barriers to accessing information appeared to be widespread. A lack of integrated services contributed to inconsistent information, and medicalized terminology/clinical focus of consultations further complicated understanding. Preferences for information include clearly defined processes, so women know the pathways after confirmation of familial BC risk. Clinical implications include a multidisciplinary team approach, and a protocol that reflects current practice.