Experiences of women undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Experience and Decision-Making Process of Women with Low to Medium Risk of Contralateral Breast Cancer who Have Chosen to Undergo a Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy (CPM).
IRAS ID
143457
Contact name
Fehmida Patel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Research summary
Women with unilateral breast cancer are increasingly requesting a double mastectomy (of the cancerous and non-cancerous breast) - referred to as contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) - so that they may not have to undergo the ’cancer process again’ (Khan, 2011). Although there is evidence to suggest this procedure is beneficial for women within the high-risk group of secondary cancer (i.e. significant family history of breast cancer or have mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes), women without these risk factors are increasingly requesting this surgery who fall into the low-to-medium risk group. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence to suggest an increased risk of death from secondary breast cancer, and there is limited patient information regarding the risks and benefits of CPM for women with low-to-medium risk of developing secondary breast cancer in the non-cancerous breast.
Most research into psychosocial outcomes after CPM is based on women within the high risk category for secondary cancer. One study examining these outcomes in the high risk group found surgery impacted upon self-esteem, femininity, body image (after reconstruction), and reduced level of stress in their life (Frost, 2003). Therefore, more research is required regarding the outcomes for women within the low-to-medium risk group.
Moreover, there appears to be a lack of patient information regarding the procedure for women within the low-to-medium risk category; with decisions being made upon information for the high risk group.
The aim of the study is to understand the decision-making process and the impact of CPM. Semi-structured interviews will be undertaken with women who have undergone CPM within the low-to-medium risk group and the qualitative data will be analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The information obtained may lead to improved interventions on how to best advise women with low-to-medium risk of secondary breast cancer.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0114
Date of REC Opinion
7 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion