Acquisition and Use of External Breast Prosthesis – Experience of Persons with External Breast Prosthesis after Mastectomy in Latvia

INTRODUCTION. Breast malignancy was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in Latvia 2022. In most cases, breast cancer is treated with surgery, and one possible type of surgery is a mastectomy. The loss of one or both breasts after a mastectomy can negatively impact a woman's quality of life, affecting various aspects, including body image. An external breast prosthesis is an alternative that can positively influence these aspects. Since patients undergoing breast cancer treatment need to know where to obtain and how to use an external breast prosthesis, it is important for occupational therapists to increase their knowledge of this type of assistive device.
AIM. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of women in Latvia who had undergone a mastectomy and used external breast prostheses, specifically focusing on obtaining and using the prosthesis.
METHODS. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. In total, nine women who met the inclusion criteria were interviewed, having been recruited from support associations/organizations such as the oncology patient support association Dzīvības koks and the VITA association. Transcription and encoding of the resulting data were performed using the deductive content analysis method.
RESULTS. The study found that women chose external breast prostheses to avoid further reconstruction surgery and its consequences. Factors influencing this decision included age, lack of information about breast reconstruction options, or an inability to accept their body image without breasts.
Most participants received prostheses funded by the state, but many were dissatisfied with them. Some women had accepted the prosthesis and were able to adapt to important activities, while others had given up activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and going to the sauna.
The study also revealed that relatively few women were informed about specialized clothing, such as swimwear, sports bras, and decorative accessories for the décolletage area.
CONCLUSION. The study concludes that women with breast cancer should receive information about both the availability and use of breast prostheses during their treatment so that they are better prepared for the changes they may face in daily life.