Assesment of emotional functioning and self-perception in post mastectomy women

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women which affects them emotionally and psychologically. The aim of this research was to examine emotional functioning and self-perception in post mastectomy women. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional single-center study included 101 women with breast cancer one month and one year after mastectomy. It was conducted using anonymous questionnaires developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC): EORTC Quality of Life questionnaire (QLO) -C 30 (version 3), questionnaire with breast cancer module EORTC QLQ BR-23 and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: Compared to results one month after mastectomy, in women one year after mastectomy there was significantly less tension (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.011) and emotional irritability (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.013), also the memory problems declined (Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.008). Discomfort with hair loss affected all parameters except concentration problems. The participants felt less physical attractive (p=0.647), were worried (p=0.645) and less feminine due to illness (p=0.638). A year after surgery there was no connection between anxiety and observed parameters. Conclusion: Breast cancer affects emotional functioning and self-perception of women especially in early postoperative period and during cancer treatment. A year after surgery there was no more connection between anxiety and hair loss discomfort. Patients need medical, social and psychological support during and after breast cancer treatment.