Psychosocial Impact Of Post Mastectomy Status: Exploring Women’s Emotional And Social Challenges.

Breast cancer is the 2 nd commonest cancer in women globally.In India breast cancer patient survival rate is in increasing trend.The aim of this study is to ensure psychological and social impact in post MRM patients.A cross-sectional study of women who underwent MRM participated in this study where semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection over a period of one year.Six percent (3) of the women who underwent MRM reported that they had lost their self-esteem as women.Ten percent felt less feminine (5).Thirty six percent ( 16) reported that they experienced psychological distress.However, more than 88% of the women said that they felt stronger as survivors and derived strength from their experience.Hence we suggest the establishment of support groups like family members, clinical psychologist, counseling and rehabilitation department in every hospital that treat patients with breast cancer.