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Frith, Justine (2022) Women's experiences of waiting for delayed breast reconstruction following a mastectomy for breast cancer. Doctoral thesis, London Metropolitan University.
Breast cancer and mastectomy has been widely researched regarding the psychological implications which the illness and associated treatment can have on the affected individual. Literature identifies the need for psychological support for women who have undergone a mastectomy, with psychological therapy recognised as a fundamental aspect of treatment following the procedure. Breast reconstruction (BR) is acknowledged within the NICE Guidelines (2018) as part of the psychological recovery for mastectomy and is promoted as something which should be available to all women 'without time restriction'. The current policies regarding restrictions on BR procedures and the impact of COVID-19 delays on 'non-essential' surgery may create increased and undue psychological distress for women in a position of not knowing if or when their BR will occur. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, this research explored the experiences of women who are currently waiting for BR. Participants had been waiting for over one year at the time of interview for their BR, with this wait being further prolonged and without a defined endpoint due to COVID-19 restrictions on elective surgeries. The findings indicated participants' adaptation and management of having one breast, loss, and isolation in various areas of their lives, and how the wait for BR has prompted further reflection of their experiences of having breast cancer. The findings indicate the relevance of interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT) when working with women following mastectomy and awaiting BR.
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