full free access: Women's Constructions of the 'Right Time' to Consider Decisions about Risk-Reducing Mastectomy and Risk-Reducing Oophorectomy (B.C.)

Methods (abstract): 

In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 BRCA1/2 carrier women and analyzed using qualitative, constant comparative methods. 

pdf file (free access):

A women-centred approach addresses issues beyond traditional
medical interventions, placing health in its broad social context, and also addresses barriers to access and respects women’s diversity [55]. Although risk-reducing surgery decisions are women’s decisions, women should not be saddled with the burden of tackling barriers to accessing health care services.
Health care professionals, health care organizations, and government must work hard to resolve these challenges.

 

High satisfaction rate ten years after bilateral prophylactic mastectomy - a longitudinal study

abstract:
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2010 Jun 29

Women from families with an increased risk for breast/ovarian cancer have undergone bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM) since the early 1990s at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden.

Perceptions of BPM as reported by the first women who underwent the procedure have previously been evaluated on a short-term basis (1-3 years). The present study aims to evaluate the long-term (10 years) physical and psychological consequences of BPM in the same cohort of women. Some of the very first women to undergo BPM participated in the present interview study (n= 13). The semi-structured interviews focused on the women's long-term experiences related to BPM and immediate breast reconstruction.

Overall, the women were satisfied with their decision to undergo BPM and perceived a negligible remaining risk of getting breast cancer. For most women, the operation had not resulted in changes in family life or lifestyle (n= 8), although some described that the relationship with their spouse was affected (8/13), either in a negative (n= 5) or positive (n= 3) way. The cosmetic results were mainly positive (n= 10).

Recurrent counselling and support during the whole process of decision, treatment and follow up is recommended.