Psychological distress and body image disturbances after modified radical mastectomy among breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study from a tertiary care centre in North India

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and treatment can affect women both physically and psychologically. Women with BC undergo various painful and debilitating therapies as well as emotional trauma. Additionally, treatment modalities can bring about multiple changes, causing distress and alteration in one's appearance. This study aimed to assess the psychological distress and body image disturbances after modified radical mastectomy (MRM) among BC survivors. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in North India on 165 female survivors of BC who underwent MRM and attended outpatient follow-up. The median (interquartile range) age was 42 (36–51) years. Patients were evaluated using MINI 6·0·0 to assess for psychiatric comorbidities. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to measure psychological distress. Additionally, the ten-item Body Image Satisfaction (BIS-10) scale was used to evaluate body image disturbances. FINDINGS: The rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 27·8%, 31·5%, and 24·8%, respectively. Most patients (92%) experienced body image disturbances, and BC survivors who completed treatment within 12 months were more likely (p < 0·01) to have body image disturbances than women who had a long time since completion of treatment. Body image disturbances were not associated with age or psychological distress. INTERPRETATION: Depression, anxiety, stress, and body image issues are common among BC survivors. Follow-up management plans for BC survivors should also include evaluation and treatment of psychological distress and addressing body image disturbances in patients undergoing mastectomy. FUNDING: Not applicable.