Authors (including presenting author) :
Chun OK, Wong WL, Wong NS, Fung WW, Ng YHF
Affiliation :
The Breast Centre, Department of Surgery, Kwong Wah Hospital
Introduction :
In Hong Kong, breast cancer is the commonest malignancy in women with around 6,000 (including in-situ) new cases diagnosed in 2022. Mastectomy causes both physical and psychosocial morbidity. Traditionally, breasts symbolize femininity, sexual attraction and motherhood. Additionally, breast also plays a fundamental role in body shape, irreversible changes in its appearance following surgical treatment are evident. The benefits of breast reconstruction are quite well documented and evidence showed less psychosocial burdens including psychological health, aesthetic outcome, satisfaction, self-esteem, sexuality, body image and quality of life following breast reconstruction.
Objectives :
This survey aims to evaluate the satisfaction and quality of life of breast cancer patients with immediate breast reconstruction done after mastectomy in KWH. By using a validated and patient-reported assessment tool, BREAST-Q, to understand the experiences and outcomes of breast cancer patients in KWH.
Methodology :
Between January 2019 and December 2023, a survey of targeted patients who visited the Breast and Plastic joint clinic at KWH was performed. All newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who had interested in immediate breast reconstruction would invite to attend the joint clinic and recruited in this survey. During consultation, both breast and plastic surgeons would discuss and explain the feasible treatment options to patients. Breast care nurses would provide psychological support and facilitate patients to make shared decision-making. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was provided to the patients before operation and 1 month after completion of operation.
Result & Outcome :
Data were collected through record review and patient-reported BREAST-Q questionnaire of 90 patients during the period. Mean age of the patients was 49 years. The top 3 reasons of choosing immediate breast reconstruction were to make the own body feel whole, maintain femininity and hoped to wear clothes of different styles. In our survey, the post-operative score of both psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being were decreased while the physical well-being of chest and satisfaction with breasts were increased. The score of satisfaction with information still had much room for improvement. Regarding the satisfaction with surgeon, medical team and office staff, the scores were 70.64, 83.3 and 84.68 respectively.
