ABSTRACT

Objective: To determine the frequency of awareness and acceptability of breast reconstruction surgery among women in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from October 2022 to June 2023.
Methods: A total of 271 patients between 20-70 years of age with a diagnosis of breast cancer were included. Demographic details, including marital status, education, residence, occupation, family history, awareness of breast reconstruction, and source of information about breast reconstruction, were documented on a proforma. All patients received information regarding breast reconstruction, and records of the frequency of acceptability and contributing factors were made. Data analysis was carried out by using SPSS 25.0.
Results:  The mean age of patients was 43.41 ± 8.98 years. Out of 271 patients, 114 patients (42.1%) had an awareness of breast reconstruction. The primary source of information was the treating physician in 60 out of 114 patients (52.6%). Breast reconstruction acceptability was reported in 110 out of 271 patients (40.6%). Family support was the most common reason for acceptance in 43 out of 110 patients (39.1%).
Conclusion: Efforts need to be made at the community level to educate the general population about breast cancer treatment options, including breast reconstruction. Education was significantly associated with increased awareness and acceptability for breast reconstruction. Better cosmetic outcomes and family support were the factors for increased acceptability, while financial constraints and family pressures were reasons for the vice versa.

Keywords: Breast Cancer, Breast Reconstruction, Cosmesis.

How to cite this: Mehmood M, Aslam A, Ahmed W, Aman S, Ali A, Feroze H, Saleem N. Awareness and Acceptability of Breast Reconstruction Among Women with Breast Cancer in Twin Cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Life and Science. 2024; 5(1): 9-15. doi: http://doi.org/10.37185/LnS.1.1.509