Knowledge, Awareness, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Breast Reconstruction Among Breast Cancer Women in Jordan: A...

This study conducted to assess the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and barriers toward breast reconstruction (BR) among women who underwent mastectomy for a breast cancer primary and identify predictors of BR uptake.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at KHCC. Data were collected using a structured Arabic questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographics, clinical background, knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate regression models were used to analyze predictors of BR uptake.

Of the 603 participants (mean age 49.5 years), 50.3% had undergone BR. Uptake was significantly higher among younger women (P < .001), those employed (P = .002), with higher education levels (P < .001), no chronic illness (P = .03), and premenopausal status (P = .001). While 70.8% had received BR information from physicians, 58.2% were unaware of BR before their diagnosis. Implants were more commonly recognized (87.2%) compared to autologous methods (39.5%). Though 69% believed BR improves quality of life, 72% viewed it as cosmetic rather than medically necessary. Regression analysis showed that younger age (OR = 0.94), employment (OR = 2.19), higher knowledge (OR = 1.29), and positive attitudes (OR = 1.25) significantly predicted BR uptake. Among those who had not undergone BR, barriers included fear of surgery (50%), misinformation, lack of interest, and financial constraints (39.5).

Despite clinical advancements, BR remains underutilized in Jordan due to knowledge gaps, limited counseling, and sociocultural misconceptions. Empowering patients through targeted education, integrating BR into oncologic care pathways, and enhancing provider communication are warranted to ensure equitable, informed, and holistic breast cancer survivorship.