Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing (대한간호학회지)

Korean Society of Nursing Science (한국간호과학회)
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The Lived Experience of Body Alteration and Body Image with Regard to Immediate Breast Reconstruction among Women with Breast Cancer

유방암 여성의 즉시 유방재건술에 따른 신체 변화와 신체상의 의미

  • Ahn, Jeonghee (College of Nursing, Seoul National University) ;
  • Suh, Eunyoung E. (College of Nursing.Research Institute of Nursing Science, Seoul National University)
  • 안정희 (서울대학교 간호대학) ;
  • 서은영 (서울대학교 간호대학.간호과학연구소)
  • Received : 2021.02.16
  • Accepted : 2021.03.29
  • Published : 2021.04.30
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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of body alteration and body image with regard to immediate breast reconstruction among women with breast cancer. Methods: Data were collected from July to December 2020 through individual in-depth interviews with 15 women who had undergone immediate breast reconstruction due to breast cancer. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis. Results: The following four theme clusters emerged. First, "revalued meaning of breasts due to cancer" illustrated the fact that cancer removal surgery brought the participants to reconsider the meaning of their breasts. Second, "had no choice but breast reconstruction" demonstrated the participants' decision-making process of not wanting to lose breasts. Third, "unsatisfied breasts despite reconstruction" portrayed the distress due to the unexpected surgical outcomes. Finally, "restarted everyday routines with the altered body" described the healing process of the participants by accepting their changed body. Conclusion: In Korea, where family-centeredness and fidelity are highly valued, women perceived their breasts not only as a symbol of femininity but as the mediator connecting the self to family. Despite the distress related to imperfect breasts, the participants were thankful for their reconstructed breasts. Breast reconstruction helped them return to daily life as the psychological trauma of breast cancer was healed. The participants rebuilt their body image by accepting their scarred new body. This may allow health professionals to provide constructive and culturally appropriate counseling in advance by providing insight into women's perception of their body image with regard to breast reconstruction.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to express their thanks to all of the women who gave their precious time to take part in this study.

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