Lived experiences of post-mastectomy women: A qualitative study of Western Rajasthan

Women's breasts have biological functions to lactate, socially and culturally seen as sensual, and the essence of her femininity. In the world, breast cancer is the most constantly occurring non-cutaneous cancer among women. The qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the lived experiences of post-mastectomy women.

A total of 14 post-mastectomy women were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling based on data saturation, at the radiation unit of a tertiary care hospital, in Basni, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September to November 2020. The data was collected using an in-depth interview schedule. It was firstly audio-recorded and transcribed, and then themes and subthemes were extracted. Experiences of women were recorded and analyzed using Colaizzi"s framework (1978) and ATLAS ti. 9 scientific software.

This revealed five main themes and their subthemes: Body image changes, physical impacts, emotional impacts, treatment impacts, and coping and support sources.

In India, the lack of exploration regarding this topic is due to the stigmatization of very private parts, i.e., breast involvement and people rarely discuss it. Thus, there is a need for more such studies to be done, and more attention is required on the role of nurses to assist post-mastectomy women psychologically, spiritually, and physically to cope with their conditions. Findings highlight that mastectomy as a surgical treatment may negatively affect a woman's body image. It's highly recommended to address individual women's psychosocial needs and preferences before undergoing mastectomy in educational sessions by physicians involving nurses with them. Also, proper knowledge about reconstructive procedures should be provided to improve their body image. The counseling sessions can be conducted pre and post-mastectomy by a professional counselor.