The impact on self-image and self-esteem of mastectomized women: an integrative review

Abstract

Mastectomy consists of partial or total removal of the breast, as part of the treatment protocol for breast cancer (CM), and may, in advanced stages, also involve the removal of the pectoralis muscle and axillary lymph nodes. Regardless of the surgical approach performed, important changes of a physical and emotional character are verified. All these complications can be aggravating factors that make it difficult to carry out activities of daily living (ADL'S) with autonomy and independence. This work had, therefore, as a general objective to identify the main impacts caused by mastectomy in women who underwent this surgical procedure in the treatment of breast cancer. This is an integrative review by means of bibliographic survey in the databases: LILACS (Latin American Literature in Health Sciences), SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) and MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), resulting in 224 articles, among which 69 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 20 articles were selected that answered the guiding question. For the final drafting of this Integrative Review, 8 articles were used, in which the reading of these made it possible to select the contents related to the impacts on the self-image and self-esteem of mastectomized women. It is concluded that this study allowed a better understanding of the impact of breast cancer on women's lives, from the diagnosis of the disease, to the fears, fears and expectations of those throughout this process, as well as understanding that women transmit feelings of acceptance, sadness, resignation, optimism, faith and hope in the face of the whole mastectomy process.