Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena
| Thesis Title | The perception of body image in women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer:evidence of a clinical case. |
|---|---|
| Name | Verrascina Francesca |
| Supervisor(s) | Cinque Giuseppina |
| Academic Year | 2014/15 |
| Thesis type | Non research thesis |
Abstract
In this text we wanted to investigate the perception of body image as a result of the changes suffered by women after mastectomy and chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. The undercovering of cancer determines the onset of a combined set of emotions and moods, that affect the family, affective, relational and sexual spheres. Women after mastectomy usually have psychological complications due to changes in their physical appearance. In order to substantiate the problems experienced by women following mastectomy we reported the testimony of a woman who had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. The interview was conducted by employing the narrative biographical method, which consists of three stages (main narration, internal questions, external questions) and goes to investigate the experience of the person, who feels free to tell their stories without suffering interference of the interlocutor. From the collected data it was possible to make a comparison with nursing diagnoses recognized in the literature. The comparison showed that some nursing diagnoses that are deemed essential, such as "body image disorder" may not be the main problem of the woman undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. The reaction to the disease appear to be strictly personal and depend from experience, from and the character of the person. With the testimony of this case it was possible to highlight how for some people, compared to the common imaginary, the hair loss or the disfigured breasts are less important than the family relationships and emotional ties taht can represent the larger concerns and fears during their disease course.