Demand for plastic surgical operations after primary breast cancer surgery

The aim of this study is to evaluate the demand for plastic operations after primary breast cancer surgery. In addition, this study aims to increase knowledge on factors affecting the wish of women for breast reconstruction.

A questionnaire was sent to some 111 patients who had undergone either mastectomy or breast conserving surgery. The response rate was 76%. The questionnaire consisted of 20 structured questions. The data was analysed statistically using the t test and the chi-square test.

28% of the mastectomized patients wanted a breast reconstruction. Factors found to affect the patient's wish for reconstruction were age (p < 0.001) and whether the patient had received radio- (p < 0.05) or chemotherapy (p < 0.05). A difference was found between the mastectomy group and the breast conserving surgery group as to satisfaction in the general (p < 0.05) and the cosmetic (p < 0.05) outcome of the surgery, as well as patient's expectations regarding the outcome (p < 0.01).

Rather fewer mastectomized patients wanted a reconstruction. The proportion, however, grew significantly larger in the younger age groups. This study also shows that receiving radio- or chemotherapy seems to predict a woman's choice against a reconstruction. Patients who receive radio- or chemotherapy may consider their illness more severe and life-threatening than those not receiving such treatments.